What will Harry and Meghan’s baby boy be called?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have yet to reveal their newborn son’s name.
Royal fans are eagerly waiting to see what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will call their newborn son.
Members of the royal family traditionally opt for conventional, regal names with a nod to history, but forward-thinking Harry and Meghan may want to do things their own way and pick something more modern.
Other options could include Charles, after the Prince of Wales, Philip, after the Duke of Edinburgh, or royal favourites James, Albert, Frederick, Arthur or even Henry – Harry’s actual first name.
American former actress Meghan, who is the first mixed-race person to marry a senior British royal, may want to pay tribute to her own family heritage.
The most popular name in the US for a boy is Liam, followed by Noah, and in Canada, where Meghan lived for several years, it is Benjamin.
In England and Wales, and Australia and New Zealand, it is Oliver.
Baby Sussex is only seventh in line to the throne and not a future king, so Harry and Meghan have more freedom over to what to choose.
The couple have already been given lots of ideas by friends and family.
During a tram ride in Melbourne during their Australia tour, Meghan told pupils from a local school: “We’ve been given a long list of names from everyone, we’re going to sit down and have a look at them.”
He told guests at an event at Australia House, central London: “Incidentally, ladies and gentlemen, my son Harry tells me that during their recent tour of Australia he and his wife were offered countless thoughtful suggestions for the naming of their forthcoming baby.
“Just between us, I suspect that Kylie and Shane may possibly make the shortlist.”
He was referring to comedian Barry Humphries, who was among the guests and is known for his stage and television alter egos of Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.
Here is a history of some of the regal names Harry and Meghan could choose:
– Albert
Queen Victoria used to insist that the name Albert was used as a middle name by her descendants, if not a first, in honour of her much-loved consort Prince Albert.
Shy, stammering Bertie was forced to become king when his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated, but won the nation’s affection by standing firm in London during the Second World War.
Albert is also one of Harry’s middle names.
– Arthur
This has been a popular choice as a royal middle name – for the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Louis, as well as George VI.
Once popular, the name fell out of fashion but has had a revival in recent years.
– Philip
A lasting tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh might see the baby called Philip.
The duke – known for his dedication to duty and his acerbic wit – has been married to the Queen for more than 70 years and is the nation’s longest serving consort.
– Frederick
Lord Freddie Windsor was once best known for the scandal of 1999 when he was reportedly spotted snorting cocaine.
Frederick has been a popular royal middle name, including for George VI.
– Charles
Harry may want to pay the ultimate tribute to his father.
Charles is considered an unlucky name for kings as Charles I was executed and Charles II’s reign featured the plague and the Great Fire of London.
– James
James is a Stuart name.
James I, son of Mary, Queen of Scots, had been king of Scotland for 36 years as James VI when he became king of England in 1603.
Harry has a cousin called James – the Earl and Countess of Wessex’s son Viscount Severn.
