Macaulay Culkin’s Sons: 5 Surprising Facts About Dakota And Carson Song Culkin In 2025

As of late 2025, Macaulay Culkin and his fiancée, Brenda Song, are the proud parents of two young sons, Dakota Song Culkin and Carson Song Culkin. The former child stars have successfully transitioned into a private family life, largely keeping their children out of the spotlight, but recent years have brought forth a few touching and surprising details about their growing family, including a sweet tribute behind their first son's name and a hilarious "Home Alone" misconception. The couple, who first met while filming the movie Changeland, have built a notoriously private world since their engagement in 2022. The most recent updates confirm that both boys are thriving, with Dakota, their eldest, now 4 years old, and Carson, their youngest, now 3 years old, making for a busy, happy household away from the public eye.

The Complete Profile: Macaulay Culkin & Brenda Song

Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song are two of the most recognizable faces from 1990s and 2000s pop culture, respectively. Their union has created one of Hollywood’s most intriguing and private power couples.

Macaulay Culkin (Father)

• Full Name: Macaulay Carson Culkin
• Born: August 26, 1980 (Age 45 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Musician
• Known For: Kevin McCallister in the Home Alone franchise, My Girl, Richie Rich.
• Family Note: He is the brother of actors Rory Culkin and Kieran Culkin.

Brenda Song (Mother)

• Full Name: Brenda Song
• Born: March 27, 1988 (Age 37 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Carmichael, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Model
• Known For: London Tipton in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and The Suite Life on Deck, Christy in The Social Network.
• Relationship Status: Engaged to Macaulay Culkin since 2022.

Inside the Private World of Dakota and Carson Song Culkin

Macaulay and Brenda have been extremely protective of their children’s privacy, only confirming their births after the fact. This decision reflects their desire to give their sons a normal upbringing away from the relentless scrutiny they both faced as child stars.

1. Dakota Song Culkin: The Touching Name Tribute

The couple welcomed their first son, Dakota Song Culkin, on April 5, 2021, in Los Angeles. His birth was a significant moment, marking the transition of the iconic "Home Alone" star into fatherhood. The name Dakota holds a deeply personal and emotional meaning for Macaulay. It is a tribute to his late sister, Dakota Culkin, who tragically passed away in 2008 at the age of 29 following a car accident. By naming their first child after her, Macaulay and Brenda honored her memory, making the name a powerful symbol of family love and remembrance.

2. Carson Song Culkin: A Quiet Winter Arrival

Less than two years after Dakota’s arrival, the couple quietly welcomed their second son, Carson Song Culkin, in late 2022. While an exact birth date is not public knowledge, reports indicate he was born sometime in December 2022, shortly before Christmas. The decision to keep the pregnancy and birth a complete secret was a testament to the couple’s commitment to privacy. The news of Carson’s arrival only became public knowledge after his birth, a pattern that echoes the private nature of their entire relationship.

3. The Hilarious "Home Alone" Mix-Up

Perhaps the most charming and unique detail about the Culkin-Song family life is Dakota’s relationship with his father’s most famous role. Macaulay Culkin revealed in a recent interview that his eldest son, Dakota, is convinced he is the character Kevin McCallister from Home Alone. The 4-year-old reportedly watches the movie and points at the screen, believing he is the child star. This generational twist—where the son of the original Kevin McCallister thinks he is Kevin McCallister—has become a beloved story shared by the couple, highlighting the surreal and often funny reality of being the child of a legendary child actor.

4. A Fatherhood That Changed Everything

Macaulay Culkin has openly discussed how fatherhood has fundamentally changed his life. He has spoken about his desire to be a present and loving father, a stark contrast to the tumultuous relationship he had with his own father, Kit Culkin, during his childhood stardom. He has described his life with Brenda Song and their sons as one of immense joy and stability, often referring to his partner and children as his entire world. This new chapter as a devoted family man is a significant part of his public narrative in 2025.

5. The Engagement and Future Wedding Plans

Macaulay and Brenda announced their engagement in January 2022, shortly after the birth of Dakota. Despite confirming their engagement, the couple has remained tight-lipped about any wedding plans. In a 2024 cover story, they confirmed they are indeed engaged but are in no rush to plan the wedding, prioritizing their life as new parents. Their focus remains on raising their two boys, Dakota and Carson, and enjoying the quiet, fulfilled domestic life they have built together.

From "Home Alone" to Home Life: The Culkin-Song Relationship Timeline

The relationship between Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song is a testament to finding love later in life, away from the chaos of their early careers.

2017: Meeting on the Set of Changeland

The couple first met in Thailand on the set of the movie Changeland, which was directed by Macaulay’s friend, Seth Green. They began dating shortly after, with initial rumors circulating in July 2017.

2018-2020: Private Dating and Public Support

For the next few years, the couple kept their relationship extremely private, occasionally being photographed together. They consistently spoke highly of each other, with Macaulay noting their deep connection and shared experience as former child actors. Brenda often praised Macaulay for his kindness and intelligence.

April 2021: The Arrival of Dakota

Their lives changed forever with the birth of their first son, Dakota Song Culkin. This event solidified their commitment and marked their transition into parenthood.

January 2022: The Engagement

Brenda was spotted wearing a large diamond ring on her left hand, confirming their engagement. Sources indicated the couple was thrilled to be taking the next step in their relationship.

Late 2022: The Birth of Carson

The family quietly expanded to four with the arrival of Carson Song Culkin, further cementing their status as a dedicated family unit.

2024-2025: Focus on Family

In the current year, the couple’s public appearances are usually centered around family events, such as Macaulay’s 2023 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, where Brenda gave a tearful speech, calling him an "incredible father." Their life is now focused on raising their two young sons, Dakota and Carson, and navigating the joyful challenges of parenthood. The transformation of Macaulay Culkin from a solitary figure to a devoted family man is one of Hollywood's most heartwarming stories.