Jimmy Carr reveals son's unique name and its inspiration

Jimmy Carr has opened up on becoming a dad for the first time, revealing he’s named his baby son Rockefeller.

The 48-year-old stand-up comedian and partner Karoline Copping privately welcomed his baby boy two years ago, and have managed to keep him out of the spotlight.

The news eventually broke in September.

Read more: Jimmy Carr 'sick with grief' after death of '8 Out Of 10 Cats' co-star Sean Lock

As a result, it’s only been recently that he’s spoken out at all about the birth of the child. In a new interview, Carr said the name was an homage to his comedic icon — Chris Rock — and American businessman, John D Rockefeller.

Speaking to Radio Times, Carr said: “It could be a bit of a gear shift, because of the kind of comedy I do, but so far, I'm still telling the same jokes, I've got the same sense of humour.”

“We'll see, because I'm sure I'm going to be writing a lot of material about him,” the star added. “In fact, I think he might be tax-deductible."

Read more: Jimmy Carr fears he has already told the joke that will end his comedy career

The 8 Out Of 10 Cats host’s joke was in reference to his participation to a tax avoidance scandal back in 2012.

Carr was among the celebrities accused of using a K2 “wealth management” scheme were their salaries were funnelled through a shall corporation in Jersey, meaning they could dodge tax.

In particular, the funnyman became the name most associated with the scheme, with The Times reporting he was one of its biggest benefactors, paying only 1% tax on a £3.3million income.

Read more: Paddy McGuinness considering hair transplant

While it was technically not illegal, then Prime Minister David Cameron said it was “morally wrong” and the UK government have since put new tactics in place to deter others from doing the same.

The star has since repeatedly apologised for his participation, becoming the butt of jokes among his 8 Out Of 10 Cats co-stars and mocking himself thanks to his dry brand of humour.

The late Sean Lock was seen telling him: “We all like to put a bit of money away for a rainy day, but I think you’re more prepared than Noah.”

But while he put on a brave front to cameras, Carr now admits he was left suffering as a result of his involvement.

"People thought, because of the type of comedy I do, that it was water off a duck's back to me,” he said. “But it wasn't. It was really horrible. I had panic attacks.”

Read more: Jimmy Carr hilariously puts controversial moment from past into Room 101 during guest appearance

In a statement released on Twitter at the time, Carr owned up to the mistakes and wrote: "I appreciate as a comedian, people will expect me to 'make light' of this situation, but I'm not going to in this statement.

"As this is obviously a serious matter. I met with a financial advisor and he said to me 'Do you want to pay less tax? It's totally legal'. I said 'Yes'."

"I now realise I've made a terrible error of judgement,” he continued.

"Although I've been advised the K2 Tax scheme is entirely legal, and has been fully disclosed to HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs).

"I'm no longer involved in it and will in future conduct my financial affairs much more responsibly. Apologies to everyone. Jimmy Carr."

Watch: Comedian Jimmy Carr arrives for Princess Eugenie's wedding