5 Shocking Revelations About Lily Collins’ Baby Tove Jane McDowell: Surrogacy, Name Meaning, And New Family Life

The world of celebrity news was recently captivated by a major announcement from Hollywood darling Lily Collins. As of today, December 10, 2025, the most significant update in the actress's life is the arrival of her first child with husband, filmmaker Charlie McDowell. The couple surprised fans by welcoming a baby girl named Tove Jane McDowell in early 2025, a joyous event that has shifted the focus from her role as Emily Cooper in Emily in Paris to her new life as a mother. This news is fresh, current, and has immediately sparked curiosity about their family journey, especially the surprising details surrounding the birth.

The journey to parenthood for Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell was a deeply personal one, culminating in the birth of their daughter on January 31, 2025. The announcement was made with a heartfelt Instagram post, where Collins expressed "endless gratitude" to their surrogate. This decision to use a surrogate, along with the baby's unique and meaningful name, Tove Jane, are just some of the fascinating details that have brought the couple's private life into the public spotlight and cemented their status as one of Hollywood's most talked-about new families.

Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell: A Complete Family Profile and Biography

The arrival of Tove Jane McDowell marks a new chapter for both Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell, two figures deeply rooted in Hollywood royalty. Understanding their individual backgrounds and shared history is essential to appreciating their new family dynamic.

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Lily Collins (Mother)

• Full Name: Lily Jane Collins
• Date of Birth: March 18, 1989
• Age (as of 2025): 36
• Birthplace: Guildford, Surrey, England
• Nationality: British and American (Dual Citizenship)
• Parents: Phil Collins (Musician, Father) and Jill Tavelman (American Socialite, Mother)
• Profession: Actress, Model, Author
• Career Highlights: The Blind Side (2009), Mirror Mirror (2012), To the Bone (2017), and the global Netflix sensation Emily in Paris (2020–present). She is also a published author with her book Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me.
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): $25 million

Charlie McDowell (Father)

• Full Name: Charles Malcolm McDowell
• Date of Birth: July 10, 1983
• Age (as of 2025): 42
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Nationality: American-British
• Parents: Malcolm McDowell (English Actor, Father) and Mary Steenburgen (American Actress, Mother)
• Profession: Film Director, Screenwriter, Author
• Notable Filmography: The One I Love (2014), The Discovery (2017), and Windfall (2022), which starred Lily Collins.

Relationship Timeline

• First Linked: July 2019, sparking dating rumors.
• Instagram Official: August 2019.
• Engagement: September 2020.
• Wedding: September 4, 2021, in a stunning ceremony at Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado.

1. The Surprising Truth: Lily Collins Welcomed Tove Jane Via Surrogate in 2025

The biggest and most recent news surrounding Lily Collins' family life is the birth of her daughter, Tove Jane McDowell. The announcement, made on January 31, 2025, was particularly notable because the baby was welcomed via surrogacy. This detail immediately brought a fresh and modern perspective to their journey to becoming parents. Collins and McDowell shared a photo on social media, expressing profound gratitude to the "incredible surrogate" who helped bring their daughter into the world. This open discussion about their use of a surrogate is a powerful move, contributing to the broader conversation about alternative paths to parenthood in Hollywood and beyond. It highlights a private struggle and a successful, joyful outcome for the couple.

The decision to use a surrogate was a private matter that the couple chose to share publicly, emphasizing that Tove is the absolute "center of our world." The news arrived as a surprise to many fans, as the actress had kept her family plans and the surrogacy process completely private until the baby’s birth. This discreet approach allowed them to enjoy the final stages of their journey away from the intense media scrutiny that often follows celebrity pregnancies.

2. The Meaning Behind the Unique Name: Tove Jane McDowell

The name chosen for their daughter, Tove Jane McDowell, is both beautiful and distinct, reflecting a blend of Scandinavian and traditional influences. The first name, Tove, is of Scandinavian origin and is traditionally a girl’s name. Its meaning is particularly lovely, often translating to "beautiful" or "beloved." This choice suggests a deep, affectionate sentiment behind the naming.

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The middle name, Jane, is a classic, timeless choice, which may serve as a nod to a family member or simply provide a traditional balance to the unique first name. The combination of the two names, Tove Jane, is elegant and memorable. This selection of a less common, yet meaningful name is consistent with the couple's thoughtful approach to their relationship and personal lives.

3. Navigating the Post-Baby World: Emily in Paris and Future Family Plans

The birth of Tove Jane McDowell comes at a pivotal time in Lily Collins' career, particularly with the ongoing success of the Netflix series Emily in Paris. The show, which has become a global phenomenon, is a major entity in her career. Fans are now wondering how her new role as a mother will impact the filming schedule and future storylines of the show, which often requires her to be away filming in France. However, Collins has been clear that her family is her new priority, balancing her work commitments with the joys of motherhood.

While the couple is currently focused on adjusting to life with their newborn, Charlie McDowell has previously opened up about their future family plans. In interviews, the filmmaker has shared their excitement about entering this "new chapter" and their hopes for expanding their family further down the line. This suggests that Tove Jane may not be an only child, indicating a long-term vision for their family life together.

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4. Hollywood Lineage: The Double Nepo Baby Status

A key aspect of the Collins-McDowell family that provides significant topical authority is their deep roots in Hollywood. Both Lily and Charlie are considered "nepo babies," a term used for children of famous parents, and their daughter Tove Jane is now part of a unique, multi-generational Hollywood lineage. Lily Collins is the daughter of legendary musician Phil Collins and Jill Tavelman. Charlie McDowell is the son of acclaimed actor Malcolm McDowell and actress Mary Steenburgen. This blending of two major entertainment dynasties makes their family story particularly compelling.

This heritage means Tove Jane McDowell is not only the granddaughter of a rock icon and a celebrated actress but also the daughter of an accomplished actress and a respected director. This powerful family background provides an immediate spotlight on the newest member of the Collins-McDowell clan, ensuring that their family life will remain a subject of interest for years to come.

5. The Intimate Wedding and Shared Creative Life

Before Tove Jane's arrival, the foundation of Lily and Charlie's relationship was their strong creative and personal partnership. Their wedding in September 2021 was an intimate, fairytale event held in the rustic beauty of Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado. The photos, which Lily shared, showcased a deep, authentic connection, moving many fans. Their relationship is also professional; they have collaborated on the film Windfall, which Charlie directed and Lily starred in. This shared passion for filmmaking and storytelling is a powerful entity in their marriage, ensuring they have a strong, shared professional and personal life that now includes their daughter.

The couple's privacy, combined with their occasional, heartfelt public shares—from their engagement in a New Mexico desert to their wedding and now the birth of Tove Jane—has created a narrative of genuine, grounded love. As they settle into their roles as parents, fans are eagerly awaiting further glimpses into their life with Tove Jane McDowell, the beautiful, beloved new center of their world, knowing that their journey will continue to be one of the most talked-about stories of 2025 and beyond.