OK! Magazine Reveals Meaning Behind Shirley Ballas' Grandson's Unusual Baby Name on BBC Strictly

Shirley Ballas, renowned for her professional judgment on Strictly Come Dancing, has recently gained a brand new role as a grandmother for the first time.

The dance professional divulged the successful birth of her grandson, Banksi Wylde Ballas, whom she received earlier this week on November 5th.

Mark, the child of the Strictly Come Dancing judge and married to BC Jean, a singer-songwriter, joyously announced becoming a father in a heartfelt Instagram update a month following Banksi's arrival.

Mark, a seasoned performer on the US counterpart Dancing With The Stars, wrote, 'Welcome to Earth my son. Banksi Wylde Ballas 11 / 5 / 23.'

At the same time, his spouse revealed the same photo, showcasing the trio of them amorously holding hands, writing: 'Banksi Wylde Ballas. Joined us earthside 11•5•23. Happy one month sweet boy. You are so loved”.

The fans were instantly intrigued by the kid's exceptional name, Banksi, immediately after it was announced. It was the fans' first encounter with the name Banksi, apart from the famed graffiti artist who has the same name (despite the different spelling).

Though the true source of the name is still unclear, it might indicate a discreet admiration for the artist, and it might hint at a future full of creativity for Banksi when he grows up.

Alternatively, Banksi could also be a contemporary take on the androgynous name Banks, signifying “edge of the river”, embodying one of nature's most charming metaphors.

Banksi's unconventional first name is supplemented by an equally unique middle name, Wylde, a traditional way of denoting: Wild.

The endearing toddler also carries the same family name as his renowned grandma, with Ballas having various interpretations based on its original language.

According to FamilySearch, it's suggested that Ballas was descended from the Albanian term 'forehead, brow', intended to describe someone with a distinctive brow.

Alternatively, it might also come from Italian, with the literal translation of balla being ‘ball, bullet; cannonball', which was traditionally used to describe someone who was short and robust!

Before Banksi's arrival into the world, Shirley had teased at a miracle baby, after the heartbreaking miscarriage BC and Mark had during their first pregnancy.

Prior to Banksi's birth, Shirley informed The Mirror, “We’re calling this baby Rainbow, due to the loss of a baby my daughter-in-law experienced last year. I couldn't be there for them as I was on Strictly which was devastating. It was tough to muster the courage to be on the show.

Mark had to go work on Dancing with the Stars, his spirit crushed. Despite him facing such a tragedy, I couldn’t confide in anyone.”

Shirley's ex-husband Corky Ballas, a former professional dancer, is also Mark's father. Shirley and Corky remained as a married couple for over twenty years, tying the knot in 1985, and splitting up in 2007.