Watch: Rihanna’s son’s name finally revealed after nearly a year – inspired by Wu-Tang Clan

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have reportedly chosen an unusual baby name for their son, naming him after Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA.

The parents have kept the name under wraps, but around a year after welcoming their little boy, his birth certificate has been released, seemingly revealing his unique moniker.

The couple have opted to call their son RZA Athelston Mayers, according to the birth certificate obtained by the Daily Mail.

And of course social media has some thoughts on the choice.

Some were big fans of the pick, with one fan tweeting: "Rihanna and Rocky’s baby boy’s name is RZA… that’s a fire ass name lol".

"Why do I think that’s so cute Rihanna naming her son RZA," another agreed.

"Rihanna's baby being 'RZA Mayers' is so damn cool," another fan commented. "A baby rockstar".

But others weren't so convinced.

"Rihanna named her son Rza? Surely, you jest," one questioned.

"Imagine naming your baby after someone else's stage name," another added. "Rihanna named her baby RZA. After RZA from Wu Tang. That's not even HIS name, it's Robert".

"Rihanna really named her baby RZA?" yet another commented.

The singer and the rapper aren't the only new parents to think outside the baby box when it comes to naming their offspring.

Earlier this year Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury welcomed their first child, a daughter and shared the unique moniker they had chosen for their newborn – Bambi.

Last year, Hague teased that she would be picking a "really, really unusual and a different name" for her little girl, having said that she had the name picked out since she was a young girl herself.

Read more: As unusual baby names surge, 10 unique options for your child

She also hinted that the name might be divisive.

“It’s not made up, it’s totally not made up, I can’t explain it,” she said, continuing: “It’s just not a name that’s ever been used before.

“It’s very, very different and rare and you’re either going to love it or hate it.

“Luckily when I met Tommy and I told him the name I’ve always dreamt of using, he absolutely loved it too.”

The Love Island star added: “It’s a really, really unusual and a different name, I do not know anybody else with the name. I’ve not seen any other girls with the name before, it’s that different.”

How to choose a unique baby name

Sure you can take inspiration from the most popular lists. But, lead by celebrities, parents are increasingly looking to avoid being one of five Olivias on the pre-school register by opting for a moniker that stands out from the baby-naming crowd.

Trouble is, research has revealed this is becoming more and more difficult.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh say uncovering a unique name for your little one is becoming much harder.

Scientists analysed the names of 22 million people born between 1838 and 2016 (imagine how long that must have taken?!).

Unsurprisingly, they found that trends in naming are linked to historical events, celebrities and those in the public eye and our favourite TV programmes (welcome to the world baby Daenarys.)

While global communication and rising immigration have increased parents-to-be’s exposure to alternative names, the Internet and media access mean these have become common just as quickly.

And so uncovering a unique gem of a name has become a little more tricky.

But there are still some methods to uncover a moniker that's a little more unusual.

Read more: Exa Dark Sideræl and other unique celebrity baby names

Check out the competition

Baby name expert SJ Strum, creator of the podcast Baby Name Envy, recommends visiting Names.darkergreen.com which shows a name’s popularity over the last 10 years.

“Some names are shown as zero ranked which means fewer than three babies were given that name in any year, which means you’re highly unlikely to meet another child with the same name in the playground,” she says.

Go transatlantic

Many naming trends start in the US, says Strum. “Check out Babynamewizard.com/voyager which captures the up-and-coming name trends – so you know which names to avoid before they cross to the UK.”

Make up your own name

“Popular ways to create your own name include blending syllables from the parents’ names or family members,” Strum advises. “The trend took off in the UK when Katie Price and Peter Andre’s daughter Princess Tiaamii was named after Peter’s mum Thea and Katy’s mum Amy. However, it’s not a style which suits everyone.”

Steer clear of popular culture

And avoid choosing a name from a favourite TV show, film or book. “No matter how obscure the character, others will have the same idea and instead of having a unique name, you may find your choice in the top 100 names for that year,” Strum warns. “Plus, these name choices also tend to date very fast.”

Read more: 2023 baby name trends: Futuristic and 'main character energy' set to take over

Go unpopular

Strum suggests choosing a name nearing the bottom of the popularity cycle. “Know many Beryls, Sues, Pauls or Brendas? Probably not,” she says. “If you want a name which stands out but is still well-known, this is a smart option – and it will come back into fashion eventually.”

Pick something personal

“The city where you first met your partner like Oxford or holidayed like Hudson for New York or a name associated with your favourite colour like Sage or Indigo is another option,” Strum says.

Moniker makeover

Try using letters from your favourite popular name to inspire other more unique choices. “One of my most popular baby name list on YouTube is 'daring alternatives to popular baby names',” Strum says. “So use sounds and letters to inspire you – for example James could become Amos. If you love Olivia; why not choose Verity?”

Read more: Banned baby names from around the world, from Lucifer to Nutella

Opt for a theme

“Most people use A-Z baby name books or lists; but during a baby name search it’s important to spend most time finding the theme you love – it could be bohemian girl names, vintage boy names, or one syllable names to suit your last name,” Strum advises.

“Then you can discover more unique and daring names you may not have come across like Fable, Gilbert or short and sweet Seth.”

Research your family history

To unleash some old-fashioned gems. “One of Megan Markle’s ancestors was named Wisdom and doing some digging into your own family tree can see you branch out with a truly unique name which will also carry meaning for your family,” says Strum.