The Guardian:

Romeo Beckham

No one quite knows why the Beckhams have called their second son Romeo. We present a web guide to the name that's taken centre stage

Bobby Stansfield
Monday September 2, 2002

1. Our scene may not be laid in fair Verona, but the Beckhams may have looked to the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet for inspiration when naming their second son, born yesterday at 9.40am.

2. Of course, if music be the food of love, Posh and Becks didn't need to look far for ideas. Dire Straits' Romeo and Juliet could have been playing on that special night nine months ago, or perhaps the proud parents are fans of Showaddywaddy member Romeo Challenger, mini-rapper Lil' Romeo or So Solid Crew's Romeo.

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3. But unlike big brother Brooklyn, geography seems unlikely to have played a part in the decision - unless the Beckhams enjoyed a romantic week in the Michigan town of Romeo. Alternatively, Victoria could - conceivably - have conceived in the back of an Alfa Romeo.

4. While bookies are taking bets on whether young Romeo will grow up to play football for England, the beautiful game may also have given food for thought. Ipswich Town's Dutch midfielder, Romeo Zondervan, was a cult figure in the Suffolk town in the 1980s. And Bayern Munich's 24-year-old defender, Bernardo Romeo, could provide further inspiration.

5. David and Victoria have always been known as trend-setters in the world of fashion, so the bouncing baby's name could have been modelled on Italian designer Romeo Gigli.

6. However, the England captain insisted that the name was not inspired by anything in particular: "It's just a name we love." The Beckhams appear to be on their own though, with most of us opting for more usual names like Jack or Thomas.

7. Romeo means "of the Romans" - so the youngest Beckham has a prestigious history to live up to. While the Romans ruled over what is arguably the greatest empire known to man, Romeo's dad will have to wait until 2006 until he next tries to conquer the world.

8. Many were expecting the Beckhams to have a girl called Paris - and if they had followed this geographical theme, young Romeo could have been a lot worse off.

9. But Romeo is not the first - nor will he be the last - celebrity offspring to be saddled with an unusual and potentially embarrassing name. Paula Yates called her children Fifi Trixibelle, Peaches, Pixie and Heavenly Hirrani Tiger Lily.

10. Anyway, at least Romeo can do a Zowie (aka Duncan) Bowie - and change his name to something more average when he gets older.

The Telegraph:

 

Beckhams name their new son Romeo By Sally Pook (Filed: 02/09/2002) David and Victoria Beckham were celebrating the birth of their second child yesterday, a 7lb 4oz boy called Romeo.   Proud father: David Beckham with news of Romeo's birth The baby, described by his father as "gorgeous", was born by caesarean section at the private Portland Hospital in London. Unlike their first child, Brooklyn, who was named after the borough of New York where Victoria found she was pregnant, Romeo's name had no special significance, the couple's spokesman said. "It is just a name they decided they liked. I don't know if either of them studied Romeo and Juliet at school." The couple arrived at the hospital in west London early yesterday and the baby was born at 9.40am. Beckham, 27, clearly delighted, emerged several hours later to give news of the birth. Brooklyn, who is three and whose name is tattooed on his father's back, was introduced to his brother shortly after he was born. Beckham said: "Romeo has got Brooklyn's nose and Victoria's chin. Brooklyn is just in awe of him." Asked about the birth, the England and Manchester United star said he had been present and that it was a nerve-racking experience. He said: "It is always nervous having children, but it is the most beautiful thing in the world. Victoria is great. She is sitting up in bed. The family are here." Speculation about the choice of the baby's name was widespread last night. One suggestion was that he could have been named after Ipswich Town's 1980s Dutch midfielder, Romeo Zondervan, whose moustache and Afro hairstyle made him a cult figure in the Suffolk town. Another suggestion was that the Beckhams, who are big fans of garage music, named their son after Romeo from the So Solid Crew. Giving children names that make them stand out in the playground has become a habit with pop stars and others over the years. But there is no guarantee that the children will stick with them when they grow up. For example, Zowie Bowie is now plain Duncan, while Keith Richards's first daughter, Dandelion, has changed her name to Angela.

The Age:

Beckham gives birth to boy-Romeo

September 2 2002

Picture: AFP England and Manchester United footballer David Beckham, talks to the press outside the Portland Hospital in London.

Victoria Beckham yesterday gave birth to a baby boy, who is being named Romeo, according to her husband, David.

The Manchester United and England footballer said the baby boy was born yesterday at the exclusive Portland Hospital in London.

Mother and baby were doing well, he said, adding that the 28-year-old singer was recovering with three-year-old son Brooklyn and relatives at her bedside.

The soccer star said Brooklyn had been allowed into the operating theatre just after the birth, believed to be a second Caesarean section.

"Brooklyn came in when Romeo came out...he absolutely adores him," Beckham said. "(Romeo) look's like Brooklyn. He's gorgeous. He's got Brooklyn's nose and Victoria's chin."

The fact the baby was a "Romeo" and not a "Juliet" confounded Britain's tabloids, which had confidently predicted the baby would be a girl called Paris, after the French capital where Victoria - also known as "Posh" - is believed to love shopping.

-agencies