Royal baby name odds: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s top baby name picks after son’s birth
MEGHAN Markle has given birth to a baby boy and royal fans are speculating about possible names for their first child.
Let's take a look at some of the names that bookmakers believe the couple may be considering for the royal baby.
What will Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's baby be named?
Per royal protocol, the Queen reportedly has to be the first to know of the birth and the name of the child, however, both Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, are free to choose their own name.
- Spencer - 3/1 This moniker is maiden name of Princess Diana before she was given the title Princess of Wales. She was previously known as Diana Frances Spencer and it would a touching tribute or Prince Harry's late mother.
- Alexander - 5/1 Meghan and Harry could name their child Alexander as a tribute to Prince Philip's grandfather who was Prince Louis Alexander of Battenberg. It is also the middle name of his first cousin Prince George.
- Arthur - 6/1 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may pick Arthur because the name has an impressive heritage. Queen Victoria's son, Prince Arthur, is the last royal to have that name and before that was King Henry VIII's younger brother.
- James - 6/1 This name was popular in the past for kings as King James VI and I was the King of Scotland and the King of England and Ireland. It could be a nod to Meghan's Irish roots.
- Phillip - 8/1 This new royal would share a name with the Duke of Edinburgh.Prince Harry naming his son Philip could be a way to pay tribute to his grandfather.
- Albert - 10/1 The royal couple could name their first child after Queen Victoria's beloved husband. The Prince Consort helped to develop Britain's constitutional monarchy.
- Henry - 12/1 One of the royal family's most famous relatives was King Henry VIII. Meghan and Harry may pay tribute to this king who is remembered for having six wives.
- Oliver - 16/1 Olivia had been a popular choice for the bookies until the baby's gender was revealed. Now the male version is looking more likely.
- Alfred - 20/1 Among the less popular bookies' choices, the name would be a nod to Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex from 871 to 886.
- Edward - 20/1 The Earl of Wessex is the third son of the Queen and Prince Harry's uncle. The couple could name their son Edward in nod to the royal.
- Gregory - 20/1 A surprising top-10 selection, this name has only appeared since the gender of the baby was revealed.
- Grey - 20/1 Perhaps a nod to celebrities choosing unusual names for their children, the bookies seem to think former-actress Meghan with opt for this strange name for her son.
- Noah - 20/1 This biblical name meaning 'rest' or 'comfort' is another surprising entry to have its odds slashed following the baby's birth.
- Charles - 25/1 Prince Harry may name his first son after his father - the Prince of Wales. Prince Charles is first in line for the throne.
The message read: "Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the spring of 2019.
"Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public."
Meghan Markle’s mum Doria Ragland then released a statement through Kensington Palace saying she was "very happy" and "looking forward to welcoming her first grandchild".
When asked if Meghan's dad Thomas had been made aware of the news the Palace responded with "no comment."
When did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry get married?
The couple tied the knot on May 19, 2018, less than two years after they first announced they were together in November 2016.
The wedding took place at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle and was attended by A-list stars and watched around the world.
Prince William was best man, and here is the full list of bridesmaids and page boys.
It is rumoured that the couple informed the Royal Family of Meghan's pregnancy at the wedding of Princess Eugenie.