In 2017, Liam Payne and Cheryl surprised many when they named their newborn son Bear. At the time, more traditional names like Oliver, Harry, and Jack were trending, making their choice stand out even more. While the couple had kept their pregnancy largely private, the story behind their son’s unique name remained an even bigger secret.

Liam and Cheryl initially had different preferences—Cheryl wanted something distinctive, while Liam leaned toward a classic name. However, their decision was ultimately inspired by a touching moment in the delivery room. During an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Liam shared that the midwife affectionately called their newborn “little bear” after an unusual incident.

“He wasn’t crying properly, and there was concern he might have fluid in his lungs,” Liam recalled. “Instead of crying, he just kept making this growling sound—‘grrrr.’ We had about 10 doctors checking on him, but they all said he was fine. It turned out he just loved making noise, and that’s how he became Bear.”

Though Liam was initially uncertain about the name, he eventually realized it suited his son perfectly. “Bear is a name you won’t forget. It stuck, and now, when I look at him, he’s just Bear,” he said in 2017.

The couple, who had been together for a year before Bear’s birth, kept their pregnancy low-key but later shared their joy with fans. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Liam expressed admiration for Cheryl’s strength, writing, “She really made my dreams come true.”

A year later, Liam and Cheryl ended their romantic relationship but remained dedicated co-parents. They released a joint statement requesting privacy as they focused on raising Bear together.

Liam’s tragic passing on October 16, following a fatal fall in Buenos Aires, has left fans and loved ones devastated. His funeral, set for November 20, will bring together family, friends, and former One Direction bandmates, with Cheryl and Bear among those paying their final respects.