When Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin welcomed their daughter in May 2004, she immediately became the apple of their eyes.
But the media’s core focus was on the little one’s name: Apple Martin.
“The baby was only days old, but mockery of her name was everywhere,” author Amy Odell wrote in her new book Gwyneth: The Biography released July 29. “Australia’s Daily Telegraph wrote, ‘What the press release should have said is: ‘Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin are proud to announce the arrival of a piece of fruit.’ ‘We can’t wait to find out what sort of Apple she grows up to be—Granny Smith or Golden Delicious. But where do you go from there? Will Apple’s siblings be Mango and Banana to make it one big fruit salad?'”
And this wasn’t the last the Oscar winner and the singer—who welcomed son MosesMartin two years later—heard about the moniker.
“Promoting the mediocre sci-fi action movie Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, which she filmed after Sylvia and which costarred Jude Law and Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth was teased about the name on CBS’s The Early Show,” Odell added.
Gwyneth: The Biography by Amy Odell
In this new biography, New York Times bestselling author Amy Odell takes readers inside the world of the Goop goddess.
“‘I don’t know if it’s a scandal,’ host Harry Smith said, ‘but it leads to—is she a McIntosh? Is she a Granny Smith? Is she a Rome? Is she a Golden Delicious?’ Gwyneth replied, ‘I think she’s either—I think she’s a Golden Delicious.’ For many years, Apple Martin would be known as an exemplar in the trend of, as the New York Post put it, ‘wacky celebrity baby names.'”
However, Gwyneth and Chris weren’t going to let these opinions put a sour taste in their mouths—especially because they had put so much thought into the name.
“Basically, one day he just said, ‘If it’s a girl, I think her name should be Apple,'” the Shakespeare in Love star recalled on a 2004 episode of Oprah Winfrey‘s show. “It sounded so sweet, and it conjures such a lovely picture for me. You know, apples are so sweet, and they’re wholesome, and it’s biblical.”
And while they thought it was the perfect pick, they were shocked by how much other people had to say about the matter.
“She was born, and it became an international outrage,” Gwyneth continued, “which I found surprising because there are people named Rose, or Lily, or Ivy, or June or lots of pretty nouns.”
Though some things have changed over time—including the couple’s decision to stay married, with them announcing their choice to “consciously uncouple” in 2014—their love for the name remains the same.
“I thought it was original and cool,” the Goop founder—now married to TV producer Brad Falchuk—wrote during a 2022 Instagram Q&A. “I can’t imagine her being called anything else.”
Not to mention new names have been introduced. When exes Elon Musk and Grimes revealed in 2020 that they named their son X Æ A-12 (later changed to X Æ A-Xii, X for short), Gwyneth wrote on Instagram, “#chrismartin I think we got beat for most controversial baby name.”
Of course, Gwyneth and Chris’ kids are not babies anymore. Apple is now 21 and Moses is 19—and they’re both proving the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in terms of how much they resemble their parents.
To see their family photos from over the years, keep reading.
Sweet Moments
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin took their daughter Apple Martin and son Moses Martin to the Museum of Ice Cream in 2017.
Making Memories
The former couple reunited for Apple’s high school graduation in June 2022.
Summer Fun
The Goop founder shared this pic with Apple and Moses in July 2024.
Blended Family
Gwyneth’s husband Brad Falchuk posed next to Chris and Apple in this heartwarming blended family portrait.
Adventure of a Lifetime
Gwyneth rang in Chris’ 40th bithday in 2017 with this photo of their family of four, calling the singer the “best daddy in the world.”
Ho Ho Happy
The Oscar winner and Moses enjoyed a Christmas morning walk on the beach in December 2023.
Feeling Festive
“California Christmas,” Gwyneth captioned this December 2023 snapshot.
Three Generations
Gwyneth’s mom Blythe Danner joined the family for a beach vacation.
Lasting Legacy
The Shakespeare in Love star honored her late father Bruce Paltrow by bringing her children to visit his grave on Thanksgiving 2020.
“Life has incredible highs and lows,” she wrote on Instagram. “Perhaps feeling it all at the same time is the art.”
Forever Family
To celebrate Chris’ birthday in 2018, Gwyneth shared this adorable family photo alongside the caption: “Thank you for giving me these two.”
Mom Life
Gwyneth had double the reasons to celebrate on Mother’s Day 2023, when her daughter’s birthday also coincided with the holiday.
“Happy Birthday my angel,” she wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for sharing your birthday this year with Mother’s Day, a fitting conjugation, a double celebration of you and what you have given to me- the GIFT of being your mom. I love you so deeply and wholly, it defies articulation.”
Sunny Days Ahead
“Summer 2022, you brought it all unsparingly,” the actress caption this photo of the trio. “Elation, adventure, transition, joy and heartbreak alike. Thank you for your reminders, connections and deepenings.”
Family Meal
Gwyneth celebrated Easter 2024 with her kids in Nashville.
Something Just Like This
Chris accompanied Moses on the piano during an impromptu backyard concert.
Father-Daughter Memories
The Coldplay frontman held his daughter’s hand during a boating trip.
Twinsies
The mother-daughter duo rocked matching boots in August 2023.
Mama’s Boy
“Happy 17th birthday to the boy that fills my soul up every time I look at him,” Gwyneth wrote on Instagram April 2023. “You keep us all laughing with your perfect impressions and you inspire us with your harmonies. I deeply adore you more than you could ever imagine!”
Paradise
Chris snuggled up with his kids in this Father’s Day 2019 snapshot posted by Gwyneth.
Blondes Have More Fun
Gwyneth and Apple snapped a silly selfie during a mother-daughter day out.
Beach Buds
The Iron Man actress kicked back with her kids during a tropical getaway.
Thankful
“Here is to reunions, togetherness, family, and love love love,” Gwyneth wrote in November 2016. “Happy thanksgiving eve, everyone.”
Like Mother, Like Daughter
For National Daughter Day in September 2021, Gwyneth captioned this selfie with Apple: “Oh man do I love you.”
Ride or Die
Gwyneth snapped a car selfie with Moses for National Son Day in September 2021, writing in the caprion, “Total heart melter.”
His Universe
Chris and Moses twinned in this adorable father-and-son snap from 2017.
Viva la Vida
“Thank you to my two beauties for the best morning, and for my entire life,” Gwyneth wrote on Mother’s Day 2019. “I love you both so much.”
In Their Place
Chris and Apple showed off their jumping skills.
When in Spain
Gwyneth and her children visited Barcelona in May 2016.
Hymn for the Weekend
Apple watched her dad perform from backstage during Coldplay’s 2016 tour.
Mini Me
The mother-daughter duo cuddled up in this throwback photo.
Enchanted
Gwyneth introduced her son to Taylor Swift in 2015, quipping on Instagram, “Thanks for giving me and my little man our best date night ever.”
