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.

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.

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.