Jessa Duggar Reveals Name of Baby No. 6 With Husband Ben Seewald

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Jessa Duggarcounted on her kids to help pick a name for her new baby.

After a week since announcing the birth of her sixth child, the former star of “19 Kids and Counting” revealed that her older five children with husband Ben Seewald played a role in naming their newborn son Edward Owen Seewald.

In a YouTube video posted on August 11, Jessa shared that the children were quite thrilled. She added that they had strong preferences for the name Edward.

Beyond just that attraction, there were other factors that pulled the couple towards it. Ben further explained the origin of the name, mentioning that “Edward” has some historical relevance, referring to Jonathan Edwards and King Edward VI of England. Additionally, he pointed out that “Owen” is named after John Owen, one of his favorite theologians.

The family is thrilled with their chosen name, and Jessa and Ben (who are parents to Spurgeon, 9, Henry, 8, Ivy, 5, Fern, 3, and George, 20 months) mentioned that it took them some time to finally decide on the perfect name.

Jessa mentioned in the video that instead of choosing a name right away, we decided to depart from the hospital within six days so they could prepare our child’s birth certificate. After this period, they would need us to provide a name for the required documentation.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as follows: The fifth eldest child from the brood of 19, belonging to Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, shared an insight about their naming process. They revealed that they were contemplating between Owen, Calvin, and Edward for their new baby’s name. Ben, one of the family members, suggested testing out each of their top three choices for a day or two to see which name felt most intuitive and comfortable.

As for why Jessa and Ben decided to wait over a week to settle on Edward? 

Ben suggested, “At times it’s necessary to observe their expression and try out different names temporarily. However, after careful consideration, we’ve made our decision.

Regardless of what’s written on his birth certificate, Jessa is certain that her newborn has a strong network of support surrounding him.

She mentioned that there are seven other people in the house who deeply cherish and affectionately dote on him, showering him with numerous kisses and embraces. He is indeed a much-loved little fellow.

Read on for a deeper dive into the Duggar family tree. 

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share an endearing tale: My high school sweetheart and I, now the proud parents of nineteen children and grandparents to over thirty tiny souls, first met in our teenage years.

Michelle recounts her experience of being rescued at the age of 15. One evening, Jim Bob was conducting house visits as part of his Baptist church duties, and upon a friend’s suggestion, he visited the Ruark family’s home. The friend mentioned that “a schoolgirl who recently found faith and is on the cheerleading squad” resided there.

In a heartfelt letter for Jim Bob’s birthday and their 33rd anniversary in 2017, posted on his family blog, I, Michelle, recounted our first encounter. It all began when they invited me to Sunday school at their church, and as the story goes, Jim Bob asked God to make us each other’s spiritual guides – though I must admit, our initial meeting didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.

Fast forward a year, and there I was, applying for a job at the frozen yogurt shop owned by none other than Jim Bob’s parents. As fate would have it, I found myself standing behind the counter when he approached me. He introduced himself shyly yet sweetly, and although I can’t recall much about our conversation back then, one thing remains vivid – his courage to ask me to be his date for the junior-senior banquet!

At Shiloh Christian, they shared a dinner together, but it wasn’t until late evenings at her family home, where they delved deep into Bible discussions for hours, that she felt their connection solidify. In her own words, “Our hearts became intertwined from there,” Michelle recalled. They completed high school in May 1984 and got married just a few months later in July, with Michelle being 17 and Jim Bob being 19 years old.

The couple dedicated themselves to God and each other for the long run.

Jim Bob previously held the position of state legislator, representing the sixth district in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. During this time, he served as vice chair of the House Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee. In 2002, he ran for a seat in the U.S. Senate but was unsuccessful in the primary. He also attempted to secure the Republican nomination for Arkansas State Senate District 35 in 2006, but his bid ended in the primary as well.

They, along with Michelle, who are both real estate agents with valid licenses, have been actively involved in conservative movements. This is a part of their lives that has earned them not only supporters but also critical scrutiny, as they were both avid fans and vocal critics of the reality TV show “19 Kids and Counting,” which debuted in 2008 under the title “17 Kids and Counting.

As of October 2024, they were grandparents of 33 with three on the way.

Born on March 3, 1988, I, being the eldest among the Duggars, have also followed a path of conservatism. I’ve taken up the mantle as an activist, advocating for causes close to my heart, such as the Family Research Council.

In 2015, police records from years past emerged which contained allegations that he had inappropriately touched several girls, including his sisters Jessa Duggar and Jill Duggar, when he was a teenager. After these accusations surfaced, Josh Duggar chose to resign from his position. Later, in June of the same year, Jessa Duggar defended her brother in an interview with Fox News, stating that the harsh names being used against Josh were “exaggerated and false,” a claim she was able to make because she herself was one of the victims involved.

His wife, Anna Duggar, who tied the knot with him during their September 26, 2008 wedding that was showcased on “19 Kids and Counting”, remained loyal to him even after he confessed to infidelity.

Upon admittance to a rehabilitation facility in 2016, his parents referred to it as “an essential initial move towards restoring and mending.

The parents of Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), Michael (June 15, 2011), Marcus (June 2, 2013), and two subsequent children – Meredith (born July 16, 2015) and Mason Garett (September 12, 2017) – welcomed Maryella Hope on November 27, 2019. The latest addition to their family, Madyson Lily, was born on October 23, 2021, the day when TLC canceled “19 Kids.

Back in April 2021, a federal indictment accused Joshua of two separate charges: receiving and possessing child pornography. He pleaded not guilty for both allegations. However, in 2022, he was convicted on both charges, although the possession charge was later dismissed by the judge. As a result, he received a sentence of 12 and a half years in prison.

A short while following Josh’s birth, Michelle conceived another child, only to experience a miscarriage. As they mourned this loss and sought divine direction, it was revealed that twins were coming into their lives.

She shared that it felt like a special gift twice over, “God was sending us a message of hope.” Despite still being in the process of learning, she found it extraordinary that, despite breastfeeding her babies, she got pregnant again so soon. It’s yet another instance of how God has chosen to work in our unique circumstances.

John David Duggar and his twin sister Jana Duggar were born on Jan. 12, 1990.

Following years of casual acquaintance, culminating at a church gathering in Abbie’s home state of Oklahoma, John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett exchanged vows on the 3rd of November, 2018 after a swift courtship and brief engagement.

On the 7th of January, 2020, they welcomed their daughter, Grace Annette Duggar, into their family. Their son, Charlie Duggar, joined them in September 2022.

On their 30th birthday in January 2020, Jan wrote a heartfelt note saying, “Ever since John and I were kids, we’ve often been asked if we had a special twin connection. You know, the one where you sense what the other person is feeling or guess what they are thinking…Well, John, up until now, I’ve always denied it-but when little Gracie was born, I experienced the same joy that you did, so I suppose there might be some truth to it!

Jana went on saying, “It’s delightful to see you and Abbie in your parental roles! You two seem to have the knack for it naturally! The very traits that make you an outstanding brother will undoubtedly make you a fantastic father.

Jana waited for 11 out of her 18 siblings to get married before she met and fell in love with Stephen Wissmann, who shares a sister (Hannah Wissmann) with the husband of one of her own brothers (Jeremiah). Although there were times when she felt frustrated, Jana believed it was all part of God’s design.

In August 2024, just before her wedding, Jana shared with People that she hasn’t always grasped the bigger picture, but she believes that God has the best intentions for everyone. As a result, she chose to get married later in life. She expressed that each person’s story is unique, and if they were all identical, life would be monotonous.

Jill Duggar, also known as Jill Dillard, was born on May 17, 1991. Her love story bears a resemblance to that of her parents’. On Christmas in 2011, she encountered Derick, who lived approximately 45 minutes away, at the Duggar family home. He had stopped by during his church group’s caroling outing.

Jim Bob acted as a relationship broker, and Jill and Derick found a connection that deepened through emails and video calls. In November of the same year, they both traveled to Nepal to meet each other in person, and their bond grew stronger. Over time, they fell deeply in love. In February 2014, Derick sought Jim Bob’s permission to marry his daughter, and they exchanged vows on June 21, 2014. Since then, they have welcomed three sons into their family-Israel born on April 6, 2015, Samuel born on July 8, 2017, and Frederick born on July 7, 2022.

In the month of April, 2024, Jill announced that she had experienced a miscarriage, as they were preparing for their first daughter with Derick.

In June 2023, the Amazon Prime Video documentary titled “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” was released, and Jill and Derick took time to consider the debates and faith-based views connected with Jill’s family, as depicted in this documentary.

Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifth child, Jessa Duggar, was born Nov. 4, 1992.

As an ardent fan, I couldn’t help but be thrilled when Jessa crossed paths with Ben at church back in 2013. His traditional approach to courtship was like a breath of fresh air, something truly unique to many of us viewers. You see, they were rather secretive about their romantic endeavors before getting engaged, which only added to the intrigue.

Jim Bob, being the wise man he is, shed some light on the matter during an interview with People. He explained that courtship for them was all about getting to know one another in a group setting, where both families would spend time together and set goals to determine if they were meant for each other. Contrastingly, dating often involves couples pairing off alone, which can sometimes lead to a more physical relationship. Isn’t that fascinating?

Ben asked Jessa for her hand in marriage and proposed on August 2014, marking the beginning of their relationship by holding hands for the first time. They got married on November 1, 2014. When Jessa was expecting their first child, the show 19 Kids and Counting was canceled. TLC then aired a special about sexual abuse, with Jill and Jessa as key participants to educate viewers on the topic. Eventually, they starred in their own show, Jill and Jessa: Counting On, which later transformed into Counting On, featuring various other Duggar siblings.

Over the course of several years, Jessa and Ben expanded their family significantly. On November 5, 2015, they welcomed son Spurgeon; Henry joined the family on February 6, 2017, followed by Ivy Jane on May 28, 2019, and Fern in July 2021. However, Jessa shared in February 2023 that she had experienced a miscarriage during the previous holiday season. But joy returned to their family when son George was born in December 2023.

In August 2025, Jessa announced baby No. 6 had arrived.

The sixth Duggar child, Jinger Vuolo, was born Dec. 21, 1993.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jinger and Jeremy while we were both engaged in ministry work in Laredo, Texas. Our courtship began in the year 2016, and on November 5th of that same year, we tied the knot, which also happened to be my nephew Spurgeon’s birthday. Being part of such a large family (we’re talking 19 strong here!), it seems that significant events often overlap. And so, soon after our wedding, speculations about a possible pregnancy started circulating.

In a year from now, we likely will have established ourselves, continuing our ministry right here in Laredo. Our aim is simply to serve the Lord in whatever capacity we can. This was expressed by Jinger during a June 2017 episode of “Counting On.

On July 19, 2018, their child named Felicity entered the world. Back in May of that year, they announced that Jinger was expecting again, also sharing that she had experienced a miscarriage the previous autumn. Then, in November 2020, they welcomed another daughter, whom they named Evangeline Jo.

Son Finnegan Charles was born March 29, 2025.

Born on January 20, 1995, Joseph Duggar found himself proposing to Kendra, whom he had met through their shared faith at church, during the romantic setting of his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017. Their courtship had only lasted for a few months prior to this heartfelt proposal.

Joseph confessed to People magazine that he was certainly anxious prior to proposing, yet he didn’t worry she would refuse because she had expressed, ‘I’m only waiting for you!'” Joseph shared after the proposal. Kendra added, “I’m overjoyed and utterly astonished. There are so many things I want to express, but all I can say is shocked.

Since then, they have announced the births of their son Garrett, who was born in June 2018, their daughter Addison, born in November 2019, and most recently, their daughter Brooklyn, who joined the family in February 2021.

Eighth in line, Josiah Duggar was born on Aug. 28, 1996.

Shortly after their relationship became public knowledge, the couple announced their engagement in March 2018. As he shared in a statement, the location where he proposed to Lauren was the very same spot where her parents had gotten engaged. This property holds a lot of family history, making it a particularly meaningful place for Lauren.

In a video shared on their family blog, Michelle, who will soon be Lauren’s mother-in-law, expressed her affection for Lauren, saying, “Lauren is such a cherished girl and we adore her.” Jessa and Ben also extended their congratulations, along with chocolate shaped like X’s and O’s. Michelle then playfully hinted at a special treat, holding up the sweet consolation prize as she said, “I believe you two want to save your first kiss for your wedding day, but if you visit us, we’ll offer you something special in return.

In the summer of 2015, Josiah and Marjorie Jackson decided to go their separate ways after their relationship didn’t succeed. As he shared with People magazine in March 2016, “We had some great moments together,” he reminisced. “We were both attempting to listen to God’s guidance on every decision we made. Unfortunately, she felt it wasn’t the right moment for us then, so we paused our relationship for a while.

On June 30, 2018, they got married and declared their wedding day as “absolutely perfect” to People magazine. Their first child, Bella Milagro, was born on Nov. 8, 2019, which translates to “miracle baby.” This was after a miscarriage in October 2018. They had another daughter named Daisy in 2022 and a son named Ezra in May 2023.

Ninth sibling Joy-Anna Duggar was born Oct. 28, 1997.

She had been friends with Austin Forsyth for fifteen years before he began pursuing her. After this shift, they moved swiftly, with Austin proposing in February 2017 and their marriage taking place on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas – the same church where Joseph proposed to Kendra.

On February 23, 2018, Joy-Anna and Austin became parents to Gideon Martin Forsyth; on August 21, 2020, they had a daughter named Evelyn Mae Forsyth; and on May 17, 2023, they welcomed their third child, Gunner James Forsyth.

On December 30, 1998, Jim Bob and Michelle welcomed their twin sons, Jed Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar, into the world.

Jed got married to Katey Nakatsu a year later, in April 2021, following a year of courtship. They welcomed their son, Truett, into the world in May 2022 and their daughter, Nora Kate, in June 2023.

In July 2024, Jed and Katey made an announcement that they were expecting twin girls. These beautiful babies, named Elsie Kate and Emma Kate, arrived on the 8th of January, 2025.

As a flight enthusiast myself, I’m thrilled to share that I, Jeremiah, am blessedly married to the incredible Hannah Wissmann – a connection that also ties us to Stephen’s family! Together with my beloved wife, we’ve been on an unforgettable journey, welcoming our two beautiful daughters into the world. Our first bundle of joy, Brynley, arrived in December 2022, and Brielle followed in February 2024, making our family complete in the most wonderful way possible.

They announced the arrival of their third daughter, Emery ‘Emy’ Jane Duggar, on May 18, 2025.

No. 12 Jason Duggar was born on April 21, 2000.

In January 2017, according to the Daily Mail, Jim Bob assisted Jase in purchasing a $33,000 property requiring renovation in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Duggar family’s main residence. Subsequently, he established his own construction company.

In May 2024, he made it clear that his relationship with Maddie Grace was official on Instagram. They got married the following October.

Charmed No. 13, James Duggar was born July 7, 2001.

He doesn’t have a romantic partner at the moment, but he takes excellent care of his many nieces and nephews instead.

On his 19th birthday in 2019, mom Michelle gushed about him being the coolest uncle (funcle!) that all the young lads here admire and aspire to emulate. I’ve always known James as this extraordinary individual who can accomplish virtually anything he dreams up. As a kid, we used to discover James tinkering with our household appliances. He’s been a tinkerer since day one, disassembling, understanding their inner workings, and reassembling them – sometimes with his own unique tweaks!

This year, James dedicated a lot of effort towards obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License. Now, he’s truly proficient in handling large trucks and heavy equipment. We eagerly anticipate seeing where life takes him next, guided by destiny.

No. 14 Justin Duggar arrived on Nov. 15, 2002.

In September 2020, he announced his relationship with Claire Spivey to the public. They became engaged a month later in November, and they got married on February 26, 2021.

In the company of his elder sister Jill, Jim Bob and Michelle welcomed their fifteenth child, named Jackson Duggar, on May 23, 2004.

On his sixteenth birthday, Jackson’s mother, Michelle, commended his wit and mentioned that she was well aware of his eagerness to obtain a driver’s license.

Johannah Duggar, born on October 11, 2005, was featured in the original family reality show titled “16 Kids and Counting, which later changed its name to Counting On.

On her 15th birthday in 2020, Michelle wrote that this girl is full of joy and sociable, always eager to meet new people. Her younger sisters find her simply amazing, as if she hangs the moon, and Michelle couldn’t be more thankful to God for allowing her to be her mother!

Jennifer Duggar arrived on Aug. 2, 2007, then the baby of the family.

Their TLC show that premiered Sept. 29, 2008, was christened 17 Kids and Counting.

Now, OMG, she’s a teenager.

Michelle celebrated her daughter’s 13th birthday by saying, “Jennifer is reliable, devoted, and full of joy!” She adores spending time with her nieces and nephews, who often cling to her because they don’t want to be put down. Moreover, Jennifer has a deep affection for animals and diligently cares for her pets daily. Recently, she even assisted in raising a brood of 7 baby bunnies!

Here on the right, the penultimate Duggar child was born Dec. 18, 2008.

In 2019, Jordyn-Grace was described by her mother as an extroverted girl who can easily make friends with anyone she meets. Her laughter is often one of the most uplifting moments of our day.

19th on our list is Josie Duggar, who was born on December 10, 2009. She arrived three months early, tipping the scales at just 1 pound, 6 ounces. Consequently, she spent a considerable six months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

On her baby’s 11th birthday in 2020, Michelle noted that Josie is full of vigor. She hardly ever takes a break, from the moment she gets up in the morning to when she goes to sleep at night.

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2025-08-12 02:48