The Beckhams are busy welcoming the latest addition to their family, with David taking the boys for a celebratory dinner as Victoria recovers in hospital. While the famous family integrates the new arrival, the world is wondering if Harper Seven, the name given to their little bundle of joy, is the most unusual in celebrity circles yet.
Further research reveals that, while Seven is unusual and was chosen for personal reasons – she was born in the seventh month, on the seventh hour, weighing seven pounds – Harper is actually quite a common name in America, which is their adopted home. But unusual baby names seem to be de rigeur for the rich and famous, with stars often thinking outside the box when it comes to christening their children. Giving the Beckhams a run for their money is Natalie Portman, whose newborn son is called Aleph. It's the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet and the equivalent of Alpha. And Jamie and Jools Oliver chose storybook names for their brood - Poppy Honey, Daisy Boo, Petal Blossom Rainbow and Buddy Bear.
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin opted to call their daughter after a fruit - Apple, beause of its “sweet and wholesome” connotations. Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell chose Bluebell Madonna for her little girl as a tribute to two of her idols - the Virgin Mary and her modern day namesake. Bluebell was chosen because the flower is "rare and precious". For their first daughter, Nicole Kidman and husband Keith Urban went with Sunday at the suggestion of her father, an admirer of 20th-century artist's muse Sunday Reed. And another Hollywood's power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie named their child Shiloh, meaning the ‘Peaceful One’ and ‘the messiah’ in Hebrew.
Zuma, the name of Gwen Stefani’s little boy, also holds personal significance. It's the name of a beach in California, and is presumably a favourite spot for her and husband Gavin Rossdale. And let’s not forget Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ choice for their princess – Suri. The couple have never explained what's behind this name. Nicolas Cage took inspiration from a superhero when he named his son Kal-El, after Superman's birth name.And Nicole Richie was obviously keen for her son to stand out with the name Sparrow.Stars have also named their offspring after musical idols – Liam Gallagher's son is Lennon and Cindy Crawford's is called Presley – or a favourite author – Cate Blanchett's son is Dashiell after Dashiell Hammett – or a place – Kim Basinger's daughter is Ireland.
