Jill Duggar and Derek Dillard Welcome ‘Rainbow Baby’ Frederick Michael

ARKANSAS — Jill Duggar and her husband Derek Dillard have joyously announced the birth of their third son, Frederick Michael Dillard, who also holds the special designation of being their “rainbow baby” following a miscarriage last year.

The couple, who are now a family of five, shared the first official photo and details of the newborn on Thursday, July 21, via their family blog and social media.

Meaningful Name Honors Father and Late Grandfather

Baby Frederick Michael was born on July 7, 2022, at 5:16 PM, weighing 7 lbs, 6 oz, and measuring 20 inches long. Both mother and baby are reported to be healthy.

Jill provided a detailed explanation of the significant meaning behind their son’s name:

• Frederick means “peaceful ruler.”
• Michael means “gift from God.”

The name Frederick also serves as a poignant tribute to both Derek and his late father, Rick. Jill explained the name structure:

• The couple chose “Frederick” to incorporate “Free” added to the front of “Derek.”
• Derek’s name itself is a variation created by his parents by adding “Di-“ to his late father’s name, “Rick,” to spell “Derek,” which literally means “son of the Rick.”

Jill noted that by choosing Frederick, they were able to honor both Derek and his father, an element that made them “excited to settle on the name”.

An Early Arrival

While Frederick was originally due later in July, he decided to arrive a little early, preceding his older brother Samuel’s birthday by just one day. Jill mentioned that this resulted in their planned C-section being moved up a bit sooner than anticipated. The family expressed happiness about being home together.

In an interesting side note, Jill’s cousin, Amy Raschel King, hosted a baby shower for her several weeks prior. Conspicuously, many of Jill’s actual siblings were absent, though the family claimed this was a coincidence.

Jill Continues to Distance Herself

The ongoing news arrives as Jill continues to take steps to create distance from the controversial and restrictive environment of her childhood. Reports indicate she has sought therapy, is sending her children to traditional schools, and has publicly acknowledged the toxic nature of her father, Jim Bob. The decision to prioritize her own family’s well-being marks another significant step in her path toward independence.