In a heartfelt revelation, Nicole Kidman recently shared a tender secret about her marriage to Keith Urban — a tattoo inked on the back of his neck that reads “babygirl,” his longtime affectionate nickname for her. What was once a private token of love has now captured the public’s imagination, especially as Kidman is set to star in the upcoming film Babygirl.
A Love Story Written in Ink
Kidman and Urban, both 57, have been married since 2006, after meeting at a G’Day LA event in 2005. Their relationship, often praised for its deep emotional support — particularly through Urban’s struggles with addiction — has been marked by subtle yet meaningful expressions of love. Among them, the “babygirl” tattoo stands out as a deeply personal gesture, discreetly nestled at the nape of Urban’s neck, often hidden by his signature hairstyle.
During an interview for W Magazine in November 2024, Kidman explained the intimate significance of the tattoo. She recalled Urban saying, “No one else is allowed to call you babygirl.” But with the coincidence of her starring in Babygirl, she laughed, “Now he’s like, ‘I still have total rights over babygirl!’” This playful exchange reflects the exclusivity and affection woven into their relationship.
A Serendipitous Link to Babygirl
The connection between Urban’s tattoo and Kidman’s upcoming film is purely coincidental — but poetic. In Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, Kidman plays Romy, a powerful CEO entangled in a risky affair with a younger man. The film’s provocative themes have drawn comparisons to Eyes Wide Shut, another of Kidman’s iconic and intimate roles.
When asked about the coincidence at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January 2025, Kidman’s amused response sparked laughter: the overlap between her personal nickname and film title was entirely accidental — but undeniably charming.
Protecting Love in a Public World
Despite the media’s excitement over this glimpse into their private life, Kidman remains protective of her marriage’s inner workings. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in late 2024, she clarified, “That stays in a separate compartment. That’s not up for public consumption.”
Nonetheless, the nickname “babygirl” has found new life on social media, with fans embracing the story as a symbol of intimate, real-life romance. On TikTok, discussions of Urban’s tattoo have gone viral, further fueling the couple’s enduring appeal.
Public Buzz and Support
The revelation has made headlines across major outlets like People, InStyle, HELLO!, and Bustle. Coverage has spotlighted not just the tattoo, but Urban’s unwavering support for Kidman’s creative pursuits, including her willingness to take on daring film roles. Their shared appearance at the Concert For Carolina event, where Urban performed and Kidman supported him from the sidelines, has only added to their narrative of mutual respect and admiration.
A Symbol Beyond Ink
More than just a piece of ink, Urban’s “babygirl” tattoo represents a lasting symbol of love — a testament to their private bond beneath the surface of fame. As Babygirl prepares to hit theaters in December 2024 (US) and January 2025 (UK), the world is poised to see Kidman’s cinematic exploration of love and power — all while knowing that, in real life, her own love story is etched just as permanently.
