Henry Cavill, the British actor renowned for his roles as Superman in the DC Extended Universe and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, has always been a private individual when it comes to his personal life. However, in a rare and delightful moment during a recent interview, the 42-year-old star opened up about a milestone that has left fans both amused and charmed: his child’s first word. To the surprise of many, it wasn’t “Daddy” or “Mommy” but a playful nickname from Cavill’s own childhood, one that has sparked laughter and curiosity among his admirers.

A New Chapter in Fatherhood

Cavill, who welcomed his first child with partner Natalie Viscuso in early 2024, has embraced fatherhood with the same dedication he brings to his on-screen roles. While he has shared glimpses of his life as a new parent on social media—often accompanied by his trademark wit—the actor has largely kept details about his family under wraps. This makes his recent anecdote about his child’s first word all the more special, offering fans a glimpse into the warmth and humor that define his home life.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly to promote his upcoming film, Cavill was asked about the joys and challenges of parenting. With a grin that suggested a story was brewing, he leaned forward and said, “You know, everyone expects their kid’s first word to be something predictable, like ‘Mama’ or ‘Dada.’ But my little one? They went for something completely out of left field.” The room erupted in laughter as Cavill paused for effect, clearly relishing the chance to share the tale.

The Nickname That Stole the Show

So, what was this unexpected first word? According to Cavill, it was “Bubs,” a nickname his family used for him when he was a young boy growing up in Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. “It’s one of those silly, affectionate names that sticks with you,” Cavill explained, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “My brothers used to call me Bubs because I was the chubby, cheerful baby of the family. Apparently, it’s made a comeback in the most unexpected way.”

The story, as Cavill recounted, unfolded during a quiet evening at home. He and Viscuso were playing with their child, who was just beginning to experiment with sounds and syllables. “We were doing the usual thing—pointing at objects, saying ‘ball,’ ‘dog,’ ‘Mommy,’ ‘Daddy,’ hoping something would stick,” Cavill said. “And then, out of nowhere, this tiny voice pipes up with ‘Bubs.’ Natalie and I just froze, looked at each other, and burst out laughing. It was so clear, so deliberate. We couldn’t believe it.”

The moment was made even more surreal by the fact that neither Cavill nor Viscuso had been using the nickname in the household. “I haven’t been called Bubs in decades,” Cavill admitted. “The only explanation we could come up with is that my mum must have let it slip when she was visiting. She’s always been fond of that name, and I can just imagine her whispering it to the baby when she thought no one was listening.” He chuckled, adding, “Mum’s got some explaining to do.”

A Trip Down Memory Lane

For Cavill, the incident was more than just a funny parenting anecdote—it was a nostalgic reminder of his own childhood. Born the fourth of five boys, Cavill grew up in a lively, close-knit family where teasing and affection went hand in hand. The nickname “Bubs” was a product of that environment, a term of endearment that captured his cheerful, roly-poly persona as the youngest sibling for a time. “I was a bit of a chunky kid,” Cavill said with a self-deprecating laugh. “My brothers loved to poke fun, but it was all in good spirit. Hearing ‘Bubs’ again after all these years—it’s like a little piece of my past coming back to life.”

The actor went on to share that the nickname has since become a running joke in the Cavill household. “Now, every time the baby says ‘Bubs,’ Natalie gives me this look, like, ‘You’re never living this down,’” he said. “And honestly, I’m fine with that. It’s the kind of thing that makes parenting so special—these little, unexpected moments that catch you off guard and fill your heart.”

The Universal Joy of First Words

Cavill’s story resonates with parents everywhere, as a child’s first word is often a milestone that carries immense emotional weight. Whether it’s a conventional “Mama” or something as quirky as “Bubs,” that first utterance marks the beginning of a child’s journey into language and communication. For Cavill, the experience has been a reminder of the unpredictable magic of parenthood. “You can plan all you want, but kids have a way of surprising you,” he said. “They write their own scripts, and you just get to be along for the ride.”

The actor’s fans have taken to social media to express their delight at the story, with many sharing their own tales of unexpected first words. On X, one user posted, “Henry Cavill’s kid saying ‘Bubs’ as their first word is the cutest thing I’ve heard all week. Imagine Superman being called Bubs at home!” Another wrote, “This just makes me love Henry even more. He’s such a down-to-earth dad.” The hashtag #BubsCavill even trended briefly, much to the actor’s amusement. “I saw that,” Cavill said with a laugh. “I’m not sure if I should be flattered or embarrassed, but I’ll take it.”

Balancing Stardom and Fatherhood

As Cavill navigates the demands of his career— which includes upcoming projects like a Warhammer 40,000 adaptation and a return to the Highlander franchise—he remains committed to being a hands-on father. “It’s a balancing act,” he admitted. “There are days when I’m on set for 12 hours, and all I want is to get home and see my kid. Those moments, like hearing ‘Bubs’ for the first time, recharge you in a way nothing else can.”

Viscuso, a television executive and Cavill’s partner since 2021, has been a pillar of support in this new chapter. While the couple keeps their relationship private, Cavill has spoken warmly of their shared journey as parents. “Natalie’s incredible,” he said. “She’s got this calm, grounded energy that keeps us all steady. And she’s just as tickled by ‘Bubs’ as I am.”

A Legacy of Love and Laughter

As the interview drew to a close, Cavill reflected on what he hopes to pass down to his child. “I want them to grow up with a sense of humor, a love for family, and the courage to be themselves,” he said. “If ‘Bubs’ is any indication, they’re already off to a great start with the humor part.” His words were met with laughter, but they carried a deeper truth about the values that guide him as a father.

For fans, Cavill’s story is a reminder of the man behind the larger-than-life roles—a man who finds joy in the small, human moments that define family life. Whether he’s wielding a sword as Geralt, soaring as Superman, or laughing over a baby’s unexpected first word, Henry Cavill remains a figure of relatability and warmth. And for now, the nickname “Bubs” has found a new lease on life, cementing its place in the Cavill family lore.

As Cavill prepares for his next cinematic adventure, one thing is clear: the role of “Dad” is the one he cherishes most. And with a child who’s already mastered the art of surprise, it’s safe to say that the Cavill household will never be short on laughter—or love.