What Meghan and Harry might name their baby

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first child. Kensington Palace announced the news via social media this morning, revealing the pair’s baby is due next spring.

Not missing a beat, bookmakers have already starting placing bets on what the baby could be called.

According to Coral, the most popular moniker so far is James (7/1) – should the child be a boy – and Victoria (8/1) if it’s a girl.

Both names were thrown into the mix when the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant.

Other baby name options from Coral include: Olivia 10/1, Thomas 12/1, Grace 20/1, Joseph 66/1, Diana 16/1, Elizabeth 16/1, Phillip 20/1, Henry 25/1 and David 33/1.

Kanye, Theresa and Donald don’t look all that likely with bets at 150/1.

Boy is 10/11 and a girl is EVS.

Another bookmakers, Betfair, has also released its odds. So far, Diana (12/1), Alice (12/1) and Arthur (12/1) are favourites.

Betfair spokesperson Katie Baylis said: “Meghan’s loose coat at Princess Eugenie’s wedding on Friday led to speculation that an announcement was imminent and now that we have it, the royal baby name game starts.

“At this stage Diana, Arthur and Alice, which was favourite at different stages for Kate and William’s babies, are the 12/1 front runners.

“However, with months until the baby is born, those odds will shorten, change and other names will come to the forefront, so watch this space.”

Harry and Meghan have spoken openly about their desire to start a family on a number of occasions – so chances are they’ve already played around with baby names.

Tradition plays a huge part in the royal family and the couple will likely pick out a moniker that has family links and is timeless.

There could also be a nod to Meghan’s upbringing and therefore an American influence in their choice.

ChannelMum.com baby names expert SJ Ljungstrom says that Meghan might well skew tradition.

“Traditionally royal names are very constrained with only a certain set of monikers to choose from. However, as in everything else, Meghan may well break the mould and do things her way,” says SJ.

“If their new baby is a girl, the name choice will be fascinating. Harry was so close to his mother – and Meghan has taken on many of her causes – so perhaps it’s time to unveil a new Princess Diana to the
world.

“I’d also expect to see Meghan referencing her feminist heroines, so maybe a Rosa – as in Parks – instead of the traditional Rose. Or they could even choose Doria to reflect the vital and dignified role
Meghan’s mother has played.”

“For a boy perhaps a Charles as she has grown close to her father-in-law, or even a Henry which is Harry’s given name. And for a middle name, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the couple choose Thomas a diplomatic move to draw Meghan’s father Thomas Markle back into the fold.”

Netmums‘ editor-in-chief, Anne-Marie O’Leary agreed that the name might have American roots.

“In light of how modern and multicultural their wedding ceremony was – with as much representation of her American heritage as his British roots – we think it’s likely there’ll be a nod to her America in the name. Maybe even just as a nickname. Maybe a baby Tori or Betsy if it’s a girl. Whatever they choose, we’re pretty sure it’ll be pitch perfect, if Meghan’s first few months as a royal are anything to go by.”

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