All About: James McAvoy's Children - Names, Ages & More!

Ronny Larson 26 May 2025

Ever wondered about the lives of the children of Hollywood stars? James McAvoy, the celebrated Scottish actor known for his roles in "X-Men," "The Last King of Scotland," and "Filth," is also a dedicated father to two children: Brendan and Anya.

Born in 2010 and 2013 respectively, Brendan and Anya are the focal point of McAvoy's world. The actor shares custody with his former wife, Anne-Marie Duff, following their divorce in 2016, which ended a decade-long marriage. Despite the challenges of navigating a co-parenting relationship in the public eye, McAvoy remains committed to his children's well-being.

Category	Information
Full Name	James McAvoy
Date of Birth	April 21, 1979
Birth Place	Glasgow, Scotland
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1995present
Spouse(s)	Anne-Marie Duff (m. 2006; div. 2016)
Children	Brendan McAvoy, Anya McAvoy
Website	James McAvoy IMDB Profile

McAvoy has been vocal about his profound affection for Brendan and Anya, emphasizing the significance of quality time and presence in their lives. He strives to be a positive influence, shaping their values and nurturing their individual growth. His commitment to fatherhood is evident in his words and actions, even amidst the demands of his high-profile career.

While McAvoy is known for safeguarding his family's privacy, Brendan and Anya have occasionally been seen in the media. In 2017, Brendan joined his mother at the premiere of McAvoy's thriller "Split," offering a rare glimpse into their family dynamic. Anya has also been photographed alongside her father on various occasions, demonstrating the close bond they share.

James McAvoy, the acclaimed Scottish actor, balances his thriving career with his most cherished role: being a father. Brendan, meaning "prince" in Irish, and Anya, meaning "grace" in Russian, carry names that echo the blend of cultures influencing McAvoy's life and the values he hopes to instill in his children. The choice of these names is no accident, reflecting a deliberate effort to connect with his heritage and infuse his children's identities with strength and beauty.

Names: Brendan and Anya
Ages: Brendan was born in 2010 and Anya was born in 2013.
Parents: James McAvoy and Anne-Marie Duff
Relationship: McAvoy shares custody of his children with his ex-wife, Anne-Marie Duff.
Public Appearances: McAvoy's children have appeared in the media on occasion.

Beyond the flashing lights of Hollywood, McAvoy's core values shine through in his commitment to his children. He understands the importance of not just providing for them materially, but also offering the emotional support and guidance they need to thrive. He wants them to understand the world, make informed decisions, and grow into compassionate and responsible individuals.

Brendan and Anya's names are not merely labels; they are a reflection of McAvoy's heritage and his hopes for their future. Brendan, derived from Irish, symbolizes royalty and leadership, while Anya, of Russian origin, represents elegance and divine favor. The significance of these names extends beyond their literal translations.

Brendan: The name Brendan is of Irish origin and means "prince." It is a popular name in Ireland and other English-speaking countries.
Anya: The name Anya is of Russian origin and means "grace." It is a popular name in Russia and other Eastern European countries.

In selecting these names, McAvoy subtly acknowledges his roots and the diverse influences that have shaped his identity. More than that, he invests his children with a sense of cultural richness and a connection to something larger than themselves. He has stated in interviews that he wanted names that resonated with strength and beauty, a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Brendan and Anya.

The timeline of McAvoy's life and career is inextricably linked to the ages of his children. Born in 1979, he welcomed Brendan at the age of 31 and Anya at 34, a period when his career was reaching new heights. This timing is noteworthy, reflecting a growing trend among celebrities and individuals alike to embrace parenthood later in life. It speaks to a desire to establish oneself professionally before taking on the responsibilities of raising a family.

Timing of McAvoy's Career: McAvoy's children were born during a period of great success in his career. He had already starred in several major films, including "X-Men" and "The Last King of Scotland," and was on the verge of becoming a global superstar. Having children at this time may have helped McAvoy to balance his personal and professional life.
Age Gap Between Children: There is a three-year age gap between Brendan and Anya. This is a relatively small age gap, which suggests that McAvoy and his ex-wife, Anne-Marie Duff, were planning to have children close in age. Having children close in age can be beneficial for the children, as they can share similar interests and experiences.
McAvoy's Relationship with His Children: McAvoy has spoken publicly about his love for his children and the importance of spending time with them. He has also said that he wants to be a positive role model for his son and daughter.

The arrival of Brendan and Anya during this pivotal time in McAvoy's career underscores the importance of balance. While his professional life demanded extensive travel and long hours, he remained committed to being a present and engaged father. The three-year age gap between his children suggests a deliberate decision to create a close-knit family, where siblings could share experiences and support each other's growth.

The dynamics between James McAvoy and Anne-Marie Duff as parents further enrich the narrative of Brendan and Anya's upbringing. Married in 2006 and divorced in 2016, McAvoy and Duff navigate the complexities of co-parenting with a shared commitment to their children's well-being. Their ability to prioritize Brendan and Anya's needs, despite their personal separation, speaks volumes about their dedication as parents.

Role of Parents: Parents play a vital role in the development of their children. They provide love, support, and guidance. They also teach their children about the world and help them to develop their own values and beliefs.
Relationship with Children: McAvoy and Duff have a close relationship with their children. They are often seen spending time together as a family.
Impact on Children: The relationship between parents and children can have a significant impact on the children's lives. Children who have close relationships with their parents are more likely to be happy, healthy, and successful.

The role of parents, especially in the formative years, is immeasurable. McAvoy and Duff understand this, striving to provide a nurturing environment filled with love, support, and guidance. They teach their children about the world, instill values, and help them develop into confident and compassionate individuals.

The collaborative approach to parenting that McAvoy and Duff have adopted is a model for divorced couples everywhere. By maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship, they shield their children from the negative impacts of separation. Their commitment to shared custody ensures that Brendan and Anya benefit from the love and guidance of both parents.

The arrangement that sees James McAvoy sharing custody with Anne-Marie Duff is a testament to their dedication to their children, Brendan and Anya. This arrangement is a common practice, yet its successful execution requires maturity, compromise, and an unwavering focus on the children's best interests. In this instance, it symbolizes a commitment to providing a stable and loving environment despite the dissolution of their marriage.

A shared custody agreement offers numerous advantages. For Brendan and Anya, it means consistent access to both parents, fostering strong bonds and a sense of security. It also ensures that both McAvoy and Duff are actively involved in their children's lives, from daily routines to major decisions. This shared responsibility alleviates the burden on either parent and promotes a collaborative approach to raising their children.

While co-parenting presents unique challenges, McAvoy and Duff appear to navigate these with grace and mutual respect. Coordinating schedules, aligning parenting styles, and making joint decisions requires open communication and a willingness to compromise. Their commitment to prioritizing their children's needs above their own demonstrates a level of maturity that benefits Brendan and Anya immensely.

The occasional glimpses into the lives of James McAvoy's children offer a rare humanizing perspective on a celebrity known for his captivating performances. McAvoy is famously private, shielding his family from the intense scrutiny of the media. However, when Brendan and Anya do make public appearances, it is a testament to McAvoy's pride in his children and his desire to share special moments with them.

One such moment occurred at the 2017 premiere of "Split," where Brendan joined his mother in supporting his father's film. The images of Brendan alongside McAvoy on the red carpet offered a heartwarming glimpse into their father-son bond. Similarly, Anya's presence at the 2019 BAFTAs, radiant in a white dress, showcased McAvoy's pride in his daughter's growing independence and poise.

These public appearances, though infrequent, serve as a reminder that behind the fame and success, James McAvoy is a devoted father. He prioritizes his children's well-being, cherishes their achievements, and strives to create lasting memories with them. His commitment to fatherhood is evident not only in these fleeting moments in the spotlight but also in his conscious efforts to maintain a private and nurturing environment for Brendan and Anya.

James McAvoy's dedication to his craft is undeniable, but his role as a father to Brendan and Anya remains his most cherished and defining purpose. The children of James McAvoy, represent the actor's personal life beyond the stage and screen.

James McAvoy's children are named Brendan and Anya. The names themselves carry significance, reflecting both Irish and Russian heritage.

Brendan was born in 2010 and Anya was born in 2013. Their ages place them within a specific stage of childhood, shaping their experiences and developmental milestones.

The mother of James McAvoy's children is Anne-Marie Duff. Her role as a co-parent alongside McAvoy is crucial to their children's upbringing.

No, James McAvoy and Anne-Marie Duff divorced in 2016. Despite their separation, they maintain a commitment to co-parenting their children.

James McAvoy's children have made public appearances on occasion, but they are generally kept out of the spotlight. This reflects McAvoy's desire to protect their privacy.

James McAvoy has a close relationship with his children and has said that they are his top priority. This underscores the importance of family in his life.

The information is based on publicly available sources and may not be complete or up-to-date.

James McAvoy's Career is equally noteworthy, marked by versatility and critical acclaim.

James McAvoy's children are not just offspring of a famous actor; they are an integral part of his life, influencing his values, priorities, and overall perspective. His dedication to them underscores the importance of family, balance, and the unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation. McAvoy stands as a testament to the fact that success in Hollywood need not come at the expense of meaningful personal relationships.

The dynamic between James McAvoy and his children serves as a poignant reminder that family remains a cornerstone of human existence, regardless of fame or fortune. The love, support, and mutual respect that characterize their relationship exemplify the essence of parenthood. Brendan and Anya are fortunate to have a father who is not only a celebrated actor but also a deeply devoted and engaged parent.