Mariska Hargitay Talks About Amaya’s Name

When it came time to pick the perfect name for her brand new baby girl, actress Mariska Hargitay says the whole family got involved – even 4-year-old August!

“We all talked about names because everything is a family decision in our house,” the Law & Order: SVU star tells People. “I threw out my name and he threw out his name and I said, ‘August, why do you get to name the baby?’ And he said, ‘Because it’s my idea!’”

Mariska says that the name Maya was on her shortlist, but explains, “I liked that name, but I wanted her to have the same initials as August. I thought adding the ‘A’ was so feminine. Amaya sounded so open and feminine and beautiful – just like her.”

Mariska and her husband Peter Hermann shared the happy news just yesterday that they’ve adopted a daughter.