Bachelor Alum Shanae Ankney Welcomes First Baby With Nate Ebner

Shanae Ankney’s fairytale has come to life with the addition of a little princess.

The Bachelor alum who had always dreamed of starting a family welcomed home her first baby girl with boyfriend Nate Ebner on April 11. “Maven Jane 🤍 4•11•2024 🤍 you were worth the wait my sweet girl,” Ankney captioned cozy, close-up photos of her little one, including one with Dad. \

The name Maven has British roots and traditionally means “expert in a given field.” The being said it has also been connected to the Irish surname Mac Mathuna, derived from mathghamhan, meaning “bear.” According to Bump baby name experts, the combination of Maven’s meanings suggests that she could take an interest in the great outdoors and become a master of knowledge of the natural world.

Ankney and Ebner first learned they were expecting in late July 2023. “I knew I was pregnant before I even took the test. I just had a gut feeling," Ankney told People in the fall. “We waited and waited for the double lines to show up, and boom! The double lines appeared.”

“Nate and I were looking at each other, just smiling and in awe,” Ankney said. The NFL free agent who formely played for the New York Giants and New England patriots added that he was super excited to become a dad. "I know that, if I can be a fraction of the father he was to me, our child will be a lucky one,” he noted.

The professional athlete won’t be going it alone though and was quick to point out grateful he was to be heading into this chapter of parenting with Ankney. "There’s no one else I’d rather go on this journey with than Shanae. I think together we will make great parents,” Ebner said. “I think Shanae is a wonderful human with a beautiful soul, and I can’t wait to watch her be an amazing mother to our child.”

“She will be the absolute best, as she has so much love to give,” Ebner said. “I know it will be difficult, but I think I have a lot to offer, and I’m excited about the experience, the challenge and the learning along the way.”

When reflecting on being a girl dad Ebner brimmed with pride and gratefulness. “I can’t wait to have a one-of-a-kind relationship with this little girl, and I hope to be a great example for her of how a man should act, what strength looks like, and how you treat the people you love in your life,” he said.

Our congratulations to Ebner and Ankney on their new addition!