Beckham baby: Why the middle name Seven? - BBC News BBC News Beckham baby: Why the middle name Seven? By Caroline McClatchey BBC News Magazine 11 July 2011 Read more about sharing. Close share panel David and Victoria Beckham have named their fourth child Harper Seven. Does their unusual choice of middle name reflect a modern trend? The Beckhams' sons are Brooklyn Joseph, Romeo James and Cruz David, but for their first daughter, the celebrity couple have decided to hold back on her first name and go freestyle for her second. As with the birth of their boys, the papers and internet are buzzing with theories on why the Beckhams chose Harper Seven. Harper has become an increasingly popular name in the US, where the family are now based. It was the 887th most popular for a girl in 2004 but rose to 119 last year. Image caption The Beckhams knew they were having a girl Seven has been the focus of speculation.

There are suggestions it was because she weighed 7lbs 10oz, arrived at 0755 LA time and was born in the seventh month, but the number also has great significance for her father, who played number seven shirt for Manchester United and England. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a middle name is a forename other than a first name, occurring between a person's first name and surname. So "middle name" embraces both a maiden name retained in the child's name as well as an additional "Philip" or "John" after the first name. Naming conventions vary from country to country but in the English-speaking world, middle names are often a relative's name, usually old-fashioned and highly embarrassing, or a family surname. There can be more than one. British musician Brian Eno is actually Brian Peter George St John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno, while Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland is Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland. Julia Cresswell, author of several books including Naming Your Baby, says middle names were not as common in the past.

She says they were a "status thing" and if a husband married a better-connected wife for instance, they made sure her surname passed to their child. "It tended to be used by those who had family connections. "It then became a classy thing to do to give more than one name to your child. People have had middle names for centuries but it is only since the 20th Century that it's become the norm for nearly everybody." Celebrity middle names Elton Hercules John - British singer/songwriter Jennifer Love Hewitt - US actress Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey - English footballer Hugh John Mungo Grant - British actor Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson - Harry Potter actress She points to the Royal family, with their "stream of names", as a good example of it being an "upper-class thing" - Prince Charles is followed by Philip Arthur George, while Prince William also has the names Arthur Philip Louis. But Cresswell says their purpose has now changed. "Growing populations and growing mobility mean you need to distinguish yourself. That's why we use so many different first names these days. There were only a dozen names in regular use in the distant past. "If you Google John Smith, you get hundreds of hits.

Google John Seven Smith and you are not likely to find more than one." A middle name can be a good safety net if a child hates their first name. And sometimes the initial letter of a middle name becomes very much part of the person, such as former US President George W Bush. Image caption Lucky number Seven? A girl after three boys Family psychologist Dr Pat Spungin says some people adopt their middle name to mark a new chapter in their life or because it is a better representation of "the new them". The Beckhams are not the first to call their child after the lucky number Seven - US rapper and actor Andre 3000, also known as Dre, has a son called Seven. In the TV comedy Seinfeld, George Costanza wanted to call his baby Seven. And Cresswell points out that there was a character called Seven of Nine in Star Trek Voyager, but she doesn't "have the Beckhams down as Trekkies". Harper Seven Beckham: Baby named after character in magical Disney show | Daily Mail Online comments The Beckhams’ decision to name their newborn daughter Harper Seven may have split public opinion yesterday, but one thing’s for sure: her three big brothers think it’s a wizard decision.

That’s because Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, eight, and six-year-old Cruz are said to have been behind the unusual moniker. Harper is the name of a character from Disney series Wizards Of Waverly Place, the boys’ favourite TV show. As a five before there was Seven: The Beckhams pose together as a family earlier this year, before the birth of their baby new girl As Victoria, 37, was recovering from the birth in Los Angeles yesterday – with husband David at her side, a source said: ‘The entire family had input – Victoria and David love the name, but it was the boys who actually came up with it. RELATED ARTICLES They have also visited the set of the show, about three young wizard siblings and their friend, a girl called Harper Finkle. When it came to baby Harper’s middle name Seven, that is her father’s ‘lucky number’, famously being his squad number for Manchester United and England. Number fixation is a well-known symptom of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), from which David suffers. The family friend said: ‘Victoria and David only came up with the name at the last minute.

‘It’s a very lucky number for David and he has always wanted to name one of his children Seven. New addition: David and Victoria Beckham have welcomed a new addition to their family, a 7lbs 10oz baby girl Sun and sea: David enjoys playing with the family bulldog, Coco, on the beach with his sons yesterday after they announced the birth of Harper Seven ‘It was obviously David’s number at Manchester United and she was born at 7.55am, during the seventh month of the year and weighing 7lb 10oz, so it made perfect sense to them.’ After his daughter arrived on Sunday morning, Beckham told fans: ‘She weighed a healthy 7lb 10oz and arrived at 7.55 this morning, here in LA. Victoria is doing really well and her brothers are delighted to have a baby sister.’ Beckham is expected to have another tattoo – his 20th – in the coming months to commemorate Harper’s birth. As news of the birth spread yesterday, television fans were quick to point out that the couple are not the first to come up with the name.

It appeared in a classic episode of cult sitcom Seinfeld, and many are speculating as to whether the Beckhams are fans of the show. In an almost prophetical 1996 episode George Costanza, the show's hapless screwball who once described himself as 'Lord of the Idiots', boasts of his idea of an 'original' name for a baby 'Seven'. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he is ridiculed by all those around him in a clip that will be lapped up by critics of the celebrity trend for unusual names. Costanza can be seen driving with girlfriend Susan when they get on the subject of baby names - and he believes he hits on the perfect name. 'It's a beautiful name for a boy or a girl,' George says after announcing his choice. 'Especially a girl. Or a boy.' Proud: David announced the baby's name on his Facebook page Seinfeld fans? Some are speculating that the couple took inspiration from a classic episode of the cult sitcom in which George Costanza (right) decides that Seven is the perfect name for his own baby Ironically, he then explains it is not only a name but a 'tribute' to New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle.

Like David Beckham, the baseball star wore the number 7. As they get into a heated argument, an upset Susan continues to bash the name, saying, 'It's not a name, it's a number It's awful, I hate it!' Later in the episode, George reveals the name to sitcom lead Jerry Seinfeld, who immediately makes fun of him. 'I defy you to come up with a better name than Seven,' says George. 'All right,' replies Jerry, as he walks into his kitchen looking at objects around him before picking up a coffee mug. 'Let's see - how about Mug? Mug Costanza. That's original. Or Ketchup.

Pretty name for a girl.' Celeb favourite: Neil Patrick Harris and his partner David Burtka named one of their twins Harper, which is also the name of Tiffani Thiessen's daughter (right) Popular choice: Lisa Marie Presley (left) and Dave Grohl (centre) chose the name for their daughters, while Myleene Klass' (right) newest addition is named Hero Harper Although the Beckhams have professed their love for all things American, it is not known whether they are fans of the very American sitcom - or whether they'll be naming their next child, if they have one, after a mug. The couple's older children have far from ordinary names. Brooklyn, born in 1999, was named after the New York borough where he was conceived. Romeo, born in 2002, gets his name from Shakespeare's lovesick character, while they named Cruz, born in Madrid in 2005, after the Spanish word for 'cross.' David confirmed the news on his Facebook page after he and wife Victoria welcomed the baby, who weighed 7lb 10oz, at 7.55am yesterday morning.

Overruled: David recently revealed that his sons would have liked for the new addition to be named Justine Bieber Beckham, after their idol The footballer wrote: 'I am so proud and excited to announce the birth of our daughter Harper Seven Beckham. She weighed a healthy 7lbs 10oz and arrived at 7.55 this morning, here in LA. 'Victoria is doing really well and her brothers are delighted to have a baby sister xx' Following the birth of the couple's fourth child, a spokesperson said: 'David and Victoria Beckham are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter. ‘Happy and healthy she arrived at 7.55 am this morning at Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles. Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz are excited to welcome their new baby sister to the family.' A girl amongst the boys club: Victoria is said to have always loved the classic English name Harper The child was born by elective Caesarean, in the same way as the Beckhams' older children. And a source told The Sun that David was so happy about the new arrival that he was literally crying with joy. The insider said: 'David has been crying with joy.

They are all so happy.' The pair are also said to be 'stunned' because the little girl looks so much like Victoria did when she was a baby. Paddy Power are already giving odds of 12/1 to have a UK number one single, 25/1 to marry an English footballer and 40/1 to become a fashion designer in her later years. The original: David posted a picture of wife Victoria having a rest on the beach before she gave birth to daughter Harper Seven Following the birth of the little girl, David's sister Joanne tweeted: 'Big congrats to my sister in law @victoriabeckham and my big bro on the birth of my beautiful niece :) can't wait 2 see u all xx' A delighted Mel B, who is expecting her third child later this year, also expressed her excitement on the network site, writing: 'Congrats!!!

Yipeee another spice baby is born, damn it wish it was me this AM cos I feel like I'm about to POP!' And Emma Bunton added: 'Big kiss to @victoriabeckham can't wait to meet your gorgeous little girl!' Victoria has remained active throughout her pregnancy - working on her fashion line and travelling up until last month. Just days ago the LA Galaxy star, 36, posted a portrait of his heavily pregnant wife that put her form on show in all its glory. He wrote on his Facebook page: 'Took this pic of Victoria while she wasn't looking. She looks amazing, so close now to the baby being born!' It's getting close! David was on the field for LA Galaxy yesterday ahead of his wife giving birth And, earlier this week, David and Victoria were wished good luck for their arrival by Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. David attended a drinks reception welcoming the royal couple to Los Angeles, but Victoria was absent from the event given that she was so close to the end of her pregnancy. The footballer told Prince William: 'Victoria really wanted to come but she is just so tired at the moment. She sent you both lots of love. How was Canada?

It looked amazing.' Prince William replied: 'Don’t be silly, send her all our love and tell her good luck with it all. It’s been an amazing few days – we’ve been so lucky with all the incredible places we’ve been able to see and we’ve met so many fascinating people. It’s been amazing, amazing.' And, following the birth, William and Catherine were quick to send a message of congratulations to the Beckhams, according to their press secretary Miguel Head, who added they were unlikely to have time to meet the new arrival. Congratulations: David's UK-based sister Joanne was quick to take to her Twitter page to offer her congratulations Spice love: Emma Bunton offered her congratulations to the Beckhams on their new arrival My turn! Victoria's former Spice Girls bandmate Mel B said congratulations but said she wanted to be the one to give birth David also spoke about the media frenzy surrounding the birth of his first daughter. He said: 'I woke up on Wednesday to a tonne of messages on my voicemail from our friends congratulating me on the birth of our daughter. 'I turned to Victoria and said: "Did I miss something?" Apparently it’s being reported every day that she’s already been born.

One way or another, fingers crossed, she’ll be with us in the next few days.' On Wednesday a Twitter rumour spread like wildfire that Victoria had given birth to a baby girl named Felicity, a claim that was quickly rubbished by their spokesperson. Going solo: David attended a drinks reception to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Los Angeles earlier this week and was wished luck for the arrival by the royal pair The former Spice Girl turned fashion designer, 37, has often hinted at her desire for a daughter, saying in one interview that should could imagine “painting her nails, putting on make-up, and choosing clothes” with her. Last year she said: ‘Everyone keeps asking me if I would like to have a little girl and I think, at some point, if I am lucky enough to have another baby that would be great. If I am blessed enough.’ The couple’s main home is a £14million mansion in Beverly Hills but the couple have yet to decide where they will live once his contract with LA Galaxy expires in November. Speculation had mounted that they would return to the UK after they put on hold plans to sell their £18 million home - ‘Beckingham Palace’ Hertfordshire.

Victoria recently gave a frank appraisal of how she and her husband differ in their view of life in Los Angeles. She said: ‘He misses European football. But America really works with my personality.’ Growing brood: Victoria and David are already parents to sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz The couple first met in 1997 and became engaged a year later before having first son Brooklyn - famously named after the place where he was conceived – in 1999. Four months later, the Beckhams enjoyed a sumptuous wedding at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland, with the couple much ridiculed for opting to sit on golden thrones. The couple have become one of the biggest brands in the planet with an array of endorsement deals and are now worth an estimated £150 million. Second son Romeo was born in 2002 and Beckham left the UK in July 2003 when Real Madrid paid £25million to sign him from Manchester United. Building up: Victoria was last seen out with David in Las Vegas on 29th June His wife chose not to move to Spain until the following year choosing instead to focus on a solo career after the demise of the Spice Girls.

David announced he was transferred in July 2007 to LA Galaxy and they moved to Beverly Hills where the boys have been attending a prestigious private school ever since. Victoria has carved out a successful design career and her dresses are now a favourite with Hollywood stars. And bets of what their little girl will grow up to be are already being placed and the Irish bookmaking firm Paddy Power has offered odds of 100:1 on Harper following in dad’s footsteps and going out for the England Women’s team. The odds of her becoming a singer in the mode of her former Spice Girl mother are 16:1. David Beckham Explains Meaning Behind Daughter’s Name – Moms & Babies – Celebrity Babies and Kids - Moms & Babies - People.com Jordan Strauss/Getty It’s all in a name for David and Victoria Beckham . “Obviously a lot of thought goes into our children’s names,” the soccer star, 36, said in a video message posted on his Facebook page . And it was no different when the couple welcomed their fourth child — and first daughter — on July 10, deciding on the moniker Harper Seven . “Harper was a name that we’ve loved for a long time for a couple of reasons.

One of the reasons is Harper is an old English name which we love. One of the other reasons is Victoria’s favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird and the author was Harper Lee,” Beckham explains. As for his daughter’s unusual middle name, Beckham admits fans are quick to point out the connection to his career — “people assume that it’s just because my shirt number … and part of it is” — but adds there’s much more to the choice. “[Seven] symbolizes spiritual perfection: seven wonders of the world, seven colors of the rainbow,” he says. “In many cultures around the world it’s regarded as a lucky number.” Although only 1-week-old , Harper is already making her presence known in the Beckham household — much to the proud papa’s delight! “To have a girl in the family is really incredible. We’ve got three beautiful, healthy boys already and we’re so lucky to have that. Now, to have a beautiful little girl,” he says. “Having a daughter is a whole new thing.

Having pink in the house, lilac in the house … It’s a whole new experience, but it’s an amazing experience to have that little bundle of joy in your hands making her little noises.” — Anya Leon Cele|bitchy | Why did the Beckhams name their baby girl “Harper Seven”? Why did the Beckhams name their baby girl “Harper Seven”? Babies , David Beckham , Victoria Beckham As Bedhead reported yesterday , Victoria Beckham gave birth to her long-awaited little girl. The Beckhams also released their baby girl’s name: Harper Seven. No Malibu, no Independence, no Lala, no Hollywood Beckham, no Angel Jefferson Beckham. Harper has become a popular girl’s name, I guess because of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird. I’ve always liked the name too, but I’m slightly disappointed that Posh and Becks didn’t give us more to work with. Anyway, People Magazine has an article about “the story behind the name” – it is kind of interesting: David and Victoria Beckham are spending quiet family time together welcoming their new arrival – and first baby girl – Harper Seven Beckham, and relishing their privacy, a rep for the couple tells PEOPLE.

But the question lingers: How did the parents of three boys – Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, 8½, and Cruz, 6½ – ever arrive at the name Harper, let alone Seven? It may not be as complicated as you think. Harper is an old English name that Victoria has always loved, PEOPLE has learned, and seven is considered a very lucky spiritual number. In addition, Harper Seven was born Sunday morning in L.A.’s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center weighing 7 lbs. (and 10 oz.) in the seventh hour in the seventh month – on the seventh day of the week. As sports fans can’t help but also note, seven was David’s jersey number for Manchester United and the English national team. Speaking of numbers, the Irish bookmaking firm of Paddy Power has offered odds of 100:1 on Harper’s following in dad’s footsteps and going out for the England Women’s team. The odds of her becoming a singer in the mode of her former Spice Girl mom are 16:1. Where did the Beckhams get Harper Seven's name? | Stuff.co.nz Where did the Beckhams get Harper Seven's name?

GLENDA KWEK Last updated 15:30 12/07/2011 REUTERS NOT SOPHIE OR EMMA: With names for their boys of Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo, David and Victoria Beckham were never going to choose a traditional name for their fourth child. Relevant offers Azealia Banks: 'I'd love to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration' Alanis Morissette manager admits to NZ$6.7m theft from singer Petula Clark: 'Elvis had his eye on both me and Karen Carpenter' Kiwi comic snaps Nick Cave selfie, but doesn't seem to know who he is Ricky Martin's plush Beverly Hills pad Riverdale: ex- Shortland Streeter KJ Apa admits to hair fear over playing Archie Katherine Heigl welcomes baby boy Kim Kardashian films cameo in Ocean's Eight all-female heist movie after robbery Graham Kerr: TV's Kiwi Galloping Gourmet now moves at a slower pace It's been only 24 hours, but the Internet is already buzzing with speculation over why football star David Beckham and his pop star wife Victoria named their daughter Harper Seven.

Suggestions ranged from a character's name in a Disney show to the baby name choices of Seinfeld's George Costanza, to the name of US author Harper Lee, but everyone agreed on one thing - Harper Seven was an unusual name. "With elder brothers by the names of Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz, no one was expecting that her name would be as ordinary as Rachel, Sarah or Emily," The Independent said. "But the moniker handed to the latest addition to Team Beckham, a baby girl born in Los Angeles on Sunday, has probably surpassed them all." The Daily Mail reported that it had the lowdown on how Harper was derived, quoting a source who said her name was taken from the Disney series Wizards Of Waverly Place, apparently a favourite show of the Beckham boys. "The entire family had input - Victoria and David love the name, but it was the boys who actually came up with it," the source said. "Victoria loved it because it's an Olde English name and even though Harper is an American by birth, she will always have English roots." Seven, the Mail noted, was Beckham's "lucky number". It was the number on the jerseys the Los Angeles Galaxy footballer wore when he represented England and Manchester United.

"Number fixation is a well-known symptom of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), from which Beckham suffers," the Mail added. The Independent published a list of potential theories for the name Seven, including the possibility the newborn was named after her birth time and weight. "Harper Seven arrived in the seventh month of the year, at 07.55 in the morning, weighing 7lb 10oz [3.18 kilograms]. These are important omens." With Beckham set to ink a 20th tattoo on his body to mark Harper Seven's birth, the paper joked that the name was perhaps a way to conserve tattoo space, as the Englishman already had "VII" tattooed on his right forearm. Across the Atlantic, CNN speculated on whether inspiration for Seven was drawn from Seinfield's George Costanza character. "It's a beautiful name for a boy or a girl - especially a girl, or a boy," Costanza said in the US TV show, referring to the number seven, which he wanted to name his daughter. "It's Mickey Mantle's number.

So, not only is it an all-around beautiful name, it is also a living tribute." Ad Feedback Mickey Mantle was a US baseball player in the 1950s and '60s. US newspaper The Baltimore Sun had a more high-brow suggestion, opining that the Beckhams named their daughter after Harper Lee, who wrote the novel To Kill A Mockingbird. "David Beckham a Harper Lee fan?" the paper asked in a headline. "I give the Beckhams credit for not following the Harry Potter and Twilight crazes, and naming their daughter the super-popular Emma or Bella. And they seem to be following a literary theme, considering their other children: (A Tree Grows in) Brooklyn, Romeo (and Juliet), and (Martin) Cruz (Smith). "Who knew they were such avid readers?" But The Guardian pointed out that the Harper Lee-reference might be unlikely, given that Victoria Beckham once admitted: "I haven't read a book in my life." London's Daily Telegraph, though, gently chided the high-profile couple for giving their baby such a different name, arguing: "Yet when it comes to naming newborn children, a certain responsibility remains.

"How could Mrs Simpson, the lover of Edward VIII, thrive in English society as the daughter of Teackle Wallis Warfield?" The Beckhams might also want to take heed from the woes of Bob Geldof's daughter Peaches, who said she was haunted by her name and taunted by cries of "Oi, Peaches, are your parents' bananas?" during her school days. "I was going to be called Angel Delight at one point, so I suppose I can count myself lucky." The Metro newspaper said parents like ex-Spice Girl Victoria and Geldof "have a lot to answer for" and noted that bookmaker William Hill were offering odds of 66-1 that she would change her name by deed poll before she turned 21.

- Sydney Morning Herald Birth dates and biographies of Victoria, David, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper Seven Victoria and David’s birth dates: Victoria Beckham, born 17 April 1974 David Beckham, born 2 May 1975 Birth dates of Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper Seven: Brooklyn Joseph, born 4 March 1999 Romeo James, born 1 September 2002 Cruz David, born 20 February 2005 Harper Seven, born 10 July 2011 Victoria and David - becoming Posh & Becks Bursting into our consciousness in 1994 when she joined the now iconic girl group The Spice Girls, Victoria (then Adams) was nicknamed Posh Spice after her love of glossy high-end designers and her slick bob hairdo. Victoria first met David Beckham, who was the star football player for Manchester United at the time, in 1997 after he asked to be introduced to Victoria as he had a crush on her! The couple were quickly dubbed 'Posh and Becks' and became the new celebrity power couple.

Victoria's pregnancy with Brooklyn Victoria announced that she was pregnant with her and David's first child in 1998. Victoria admitted at the time that she was surprised she fell pregnant by accident during a Spice Girls tour, as she had previously suffered from Polycystic Ovaries (PSCOS). Posh admitted that she suffered terrible morning sickness while on tour and she also revealed that her pregnancy cravings included craved pickled onions, marmite on toast and fruit pastilles. Brooklyn Victoria and David welcomed their first baby, a boy named Brooklyn, in March, 1999, at the Portland Hospital, London. Baby Brooklyn weighed 7lbs and was born via an emergency caesarean apparently because Brooklyn's head wasn't properly engaged. The Beckhams' baby name choice raised a few eyebrows at the time and they later revealed that they conceived their son whilst in Brooklyn, USA! "I like Brooklyn as a name - it's quite different - but you couldn't do it all the time. It wouldn't work if you were somewhere like Moscow," Victoria said at the time. After Brooklyn's birth, Victoria lost a lot of weight, which drew criticism. "After Brooklyn was born I lost a lot of weight.

From being Podgy Spice pre-Brooklyn I had become Skeletal Spice. What upset me was that I ate like any normal person, but I lost weight," Victoria said at the time. Brooklyn is reportedly quite shy and seems quite protective of his mum when out and about. He's also an avid football fan. In 2016, Brooklyn was briefly dating Hollywood actress Chloe Grace Moretz. He also revealed he's a budding photographer, shooting a campaign for fashion house Burberry. Read more about Brooklyn: Victoria and David get married The couple got married 4 months after the arrival of Brooklyn in 1999. Victoria and David wed in a lavish ceremony at the Luttrellstown Castle in County Dublin, Ireland. The wedding ceremony saw them sitting on golden thrones and allegedly cost Posh and Becks around £500,000. Victoria's pregnancy with Romeo In 2001, Victoria announced that she was pregnant with her 2nd baby - and it was Brooklyn who they 1st told the happy news to. "I told him I was pregnant, then I sent him over to David to tell him the secret.

I was in tears as he toddled over to his daddy and said, 'Mummy is going to have a baby.' I hoped it would make him feel he is involved with the new baby," Victoria recalled at the time. The guessing game began after Victoria's pregnancy announcement, with everyone wondering where they'd conceived their baby and whether they'd use it as their next baby name choice! It was also revealed that Posh craved smoked salmon during her 2nd pregnancy. Although Posh wasn't very vocal with the press during her 2nd pregnancy, she did reveal that she "loved being pregnant and I like giving birth - oh, I love it." However, David cheekily interrupted, telling her: "You had a caesarean. You didn't even feel it." Romeo Victoria gave birth to her 2nd baby, another boy, named Romeo. They didn't say the reasons behind the name choice, but David did reveal that "Romeo has Brooklyn's nose and Victoria's chin," when he spoke to the press outside the Portland Hospital, London, where Romeo was born. Romeo weighed 7lb 4oz and was born via caesarean by doctors orders.

The Beckham family moved to Spain in 2003 when David was transferred from Manchester United to Real Madrid. Romeo has definitely inherited his dad's model looks and his mum's pout! Although his parents let his hair grow really long when he was a baby up until he was a toddler, his floppy locks and dapper sense of style gives Suri Cruise a run for her money after he made it onto the Best Dressed Man list at the age of 8. Now a teenager, Romeo's got quite the modelling career ahead of him - having already starred in several campaigns for fashion house Burberry. Victoria's pregnancy with Cruz In 2004, just after David was hit with claims that he had an affair with his personal assistant, Victoria and David announced they were expecting their 3rd baby. The pregnancy was very low key and Posh hid her baby bump and rarely spoke about her pregnancy. Cruz Victoria gave birth to another boy in February, 2005, and they named their 3rd son Cruz. Born in the Ruber Internacional hospital in Madrid, the couple opted for a Spanish name which means 'Cross'. Cruz is traditionally a girl's name in Spain.

Cruz appears to be a cheeky chap and when growing up was regularly seen in his dressing up garb - from Wolverine, an astronaut to a Transformer - all while pulling a goofy smile for the paparazzi. During the Spice Girls' tour in 2009, Cruz took to the stage and broke into an impressive body-popping, break dance - much to the delight of the crowd. Victoria revealed the cheeky side of Cruz when he was 5: "We're all learning sign language because one of our friends is deaf. So, of course, the first thing Cruz wanted to learn was how to say, 'I have gas,' and the 's' word. He also wanted to know what other swear words were." It seems Cruz's passion for music has continued with him throughout his life. In December 2016, he signed to Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun and released his first single, If Every Day Was Christmas, for charity. Aww!

Victoria's pregnancy with Harper Seven After much speculation of a 4th pregnancy, what with Victoria admitting she was broody and her allegedly exhausting David with her baby-making plans , on 9 January 2011, David confirmed Victoria was pregnant with their 4th baby. Apparently, it caused David to shed many tears of happiness . Gossip abounded as to whether the couple would get their much-wanted baby girl. Posh and Becks never shied away from talk that they'd like a little Beckham girl and were delighted when they found out they were indeed expecting a girl. Like her other pregnancies, the guessing game on what the Beckhams' would call their 4th baby was in full swing. It's a relief to know David and Victoria didn't listen to their son's suggestion - Justine Bieber ! Rumour had it that Victoria had her eye on her dream buggy - an iCandy Apple - and was designing her house ready for the arrival. She also had a pink-themed baby shower thrown for her by her A-list actress bestie, Eva Longoria. Harper Victoria gave birth to her 1st daughter, Harper Seven , on 10 July 2011.

The choice of baby name reportedly boosted book sales of Harper Lee's classic To Kill A Mockingbird. Harper has always been dressed impeccably since birth , and has been Victoria's frequent companion at fashion shows as her mum's fashion career has taken off. She's rocked many designer looks, including Marc Jacobs wellies and Vivienne Westwood jellies . David Beckham reveals meaning behind baby Harper Seven's name | Daily Mail Online comments After a week of speculation, David Beckham has finally revealed the reasons behind his newborn daughter Harper Seven's unusual name. Despite a long-held rumour that his wife Victoria has never read a book, the footballer said they had named their daughter after Harper Lee - the author of Posh's favourite book To Kill A Mockingbird. In a series of videos posted on his official Facebook page, the LA Galaxy player speaks about his joy as becoming a father for the fourth time.

What's in a name: David Beckham explains the reasons he and wife Victoria chose Harper Seven's names in a Facebook video Inspiration: Victoria's favourite book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Dismissing speculation they named Harper Seven off a character from Disney TV show Wizards Of Waverly Place or Harper's Bazaar magazine, David said the name had a literary meaning for them. He said: 'A lot of thought goes into our children's names and Harper was a name that we've loved for a long time for a couple of reasons. 'One reason is Harper's an old English name which we loved and one of the other reasons was Victoria's favourite book is To Kill A Mockingbird and the author was Harper Lee. It's a very strong, passionate book. That's where Harper came from.' The revelation that is is Victoria's favourite book may surprise some fans, because it was widely thought she had never read a book. However in an interview six years ago, she insisted she did read books, but didn't usually get a chance to finish them due to her busy schedule.

The footballer went on to admit her former shirt number 7 while he played for Manchester United and England had also played a strong part in them choosing Seven as a middle name. 'Having a daughter is a whole new thing': Beckham admitted he was getting used to the pink and lilac in the house He explained: 'And then Seven you know, a lot of people have assumed its just because of my shirt number that I wore for many years and part of it is because I had so much luck around wearing that number, wearing it for England, wearing it for Manchester United. 'It was such an influential number throughout my career and a lucky number... but that wasn't the main reason. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share 'The other reasons behind Seven was because it symbolises spiritual perfection, the Seven Wonders Of The World, seven colours of the rainbow and in many cultures around the world it's regarded as a lucky number. Man on the run: David was seen at training with LA Galaxy yesterday afternoon Joining in: The couple's sons Brooklyn and Romeo appeared to be enjoying themselves on the pitch 'So we love the name, we love Harper Seven.

We're very proud of having her in our lives and in our family and it's an amazing time for our family right now. In a second video, the father-of-four admitted he was adjusting to life with a girl in the house after so long with just the couple's three sons Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, eight, and Cruz, six. He said: 'To have another girl in the family is really incredible. We've got three beautiful healthy boys already and we're so lucky to have that and now to have a beautiful little girl. Day out: The pair's youngest son Cruz also accompanied the footballer at training Monkeying around: While Romeo and Brooklyn played football, Cruz seemed more interested in standing on his head 'Having a daughter is a whole new thing. Having pink in the house, having lilac in the house... and you have to be a lot more delicate with girls than boys and I'm not used to that so it's a whole new experience.

It's an amazing experience to have that little bundle of joy in your hands, making her little noises and opening their eyes, it really is an incredible moment for us.' Blessed: Victoria Beckham shared her joy about becoming a mother to her daughter Harper Seven on her Twitter page Beckham's online video comes a day after his wife spoke of her joy as becoming a mother to little Harper. The ex-Spice Girl delivered the 7lbs, 10oz baby at 7:55am on Sunday morning via caesarean section. She Tweeted: 'Baby Harper is the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen, I have fallen in love all over again!!! Expanding their family: Victoria and husband David, pictured at the Royal Wedding in April, now have four children 'We all feel so blessed and the boys love their baby sister so much!!! X VB.' Harper's birth was announced by her proud husband David on his Facebook page hours after the baby's arrival. He wrote: 'I am so proud and excited to announce the birth of our daughter Harper Seven Beckham. She weighed a healthy 7lbs 10oz and arrived at 7.55 this morning, here in LA.

Victoria is doing really well and her brothers are delighted to have a baby sister.' Lucky number: David wearing a number 7 Manchester United shirt in 1999 (left) and a 7 England shirt last year Harper Seven Beckham: Possible Meaning And Reasons Behind The Name | Stylist Magazine People Who (or what) is Harper Beckham named after? Unless you've been living on another planet for the past 24 hours, you'll know that Victoria and David Beckham have welcomed a fourth member to their family. Harper Seven Beckham was born at 7.55am on 10 July at Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, weighing 7lbs 10oz. A jubilant David confirmed the happy news on Facebook (where he also posted a picture of a pregnant Victoria earlier this week, featured above), saying, "Victoria is doing really well and her [Harper's] brothers are delighted to have a baby sister." While Stylist breathed a sigh of relief that the Beckhams did not name their daughter Justine Bieber (as per their son Romeo's suggestion), an element of mystery surrounds their choice.

"Seven" is generally considered to be a nod to Beckham's football number when he played for Manchester United and England (although Seinfeld fans are also citing an episode in which one of the characters, George, wants to give his child the numerical name), but what "Harper" stands for is not yet entirely clear. And so Stylist decided to take a (tongue-in-cheek) look at the possible meanings behind the unusual name... Picture credits: Rex Features Harper's Bazaar magazine As a modern-day style icon, Victoria has graced the cover of fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar - "the fashion resource for women who are the first to buy the best, from casual to couture" - six times globally, making it a very possible source of inspiration for Baby Beckham's name. Harper Lee Despite once telling a Spanish journalist "I haven't read a book in my life," it's possible that VB has since undergone a literary epiphany and named her darling daughter after Harper Lee, the author of Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill A Mockingbird. What better way for Beckham junior to begin school life than with the name of a literary great?

Harpist A quick flick through any baby name dictionary reveals that the meaning of the name "Harper" is quite literally what it says on the, erm, birth certificate - an old-English term for a harpist or "minstrel". Perhaps Victoria is hoping her daughter will have inherited her musical talents? Stephen Harper We're not sure the Beckhams have ever met the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, but there's an (admittedly slim) outside chance they named their bundle of joy after the Conservative Party leader. Michelle Harper Michelle Harper, the New York-based model and muse, is a more likely contender as inspiration for baby Beckham. The socialite is chic, sophisticated and is rarely seen without Dior, Balenciaga or Louboutin as companions - not unlike Victoria herself, in fact. Harper, 1966 film We imagine David Beckham loves his mystery drama movies - especially those starring a cool private investigator played by Paul Newman. Could it be he persuaded Victoria to name their baby girl after this award-winning whodunit, co-starring the ever-elegant Lauren Bacall and Julie Harris?

Harper Simon Sure, she's a Spice Girl and he's friends with Snoop Dogg, but could it be that both Beckhams harbour a secret passion for psychedelic country and rock music? If so, it's possible they've chosen to name their newborn after Harper Simon, the American singer-songwriter and son of Paul Simon of Simon & Garfunkel fame. Harper in Wizards of Waverly Place Having fully embraced the US way of life since their move to the States, we're in no doubt that The Disney Channel plays a big part in the three Beckham boys' homelife, so perhaps the name was inspired by Harper Finkle, the character played by Jennifer Stone in the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place. Not the most obvious choice - but it sure beats Cinderella. HarperCollins It may be that the Beckhams are hoping to bestow a bookworm-ish quality with their name choice, in honour of HarperCollins. As well as publishing the Collins English Dictionary (serious factual kudos) the News Corp-owned company is also famed for its children's books, including much-loved favourite Charlotte's Web.

Other celebrity baby Harpers Finally, perhaps the name choice Harper was simply inspired by the Beckhams' fellow A-list parents and neighbours over in LA. Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of Elvis, chose the name Harper Vivienne Ann for one of her twins born in 2008 (the other was named Finley Aaron Love), and Foo Fighters rocker Dave Grohl also called his second daughter Harper Willow. Read more on:

Question: What name did the Beckhams give to their fourth child and first daughter ?
Answer: HARPER SEVEN