A memorable name: Baby Harry

But they decided to give their son a memorable name in the run-up to the star-laden big screen release across the UK on Friday.

Liz, 33, said: "We liked the name from the beginning, before all the Harry Potter stuff came out.

"As soon as we knew we had a little boy there was only one name for him.

"We knew all about the big build-up to the Harry Potter film and decided to give him a name which will be memorable all his life.

"Everybody thinks it's quite cool."

It will be interesting to see if the number of Harry's has increased when we publish our next record of names

Office of National Statistics spokesperson

The new Harry was born at the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil 8lb 11.5oz.

The Potter phenomenon has already inspired 'Harry ' to leap in popularity to number six in the league of British boys names.

A spokesperson for the Office for National Statistics told BBC News Online: "Baby names are often inspired by popular films and crazes.

"It will be interesting to see if the number of Harry's has increased when we publish our next record of names in January."

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone includes a star-studded British cast list including Robbie Coltrane, Zoe Wanamaker and 12-year-old Daniel Radcliffe as the boy destined by fate to be a master magician.

The big screen Harry Potter

With a signature already inked for a further four Potter films, the tot - albeit a mere muggle - could find his fame rolls on for years to come.

Liz added: "It's going to be great for all his classmates when he's older.

"They will be able to say: 'We're in school with Harry Potter.'

Muggle middle name

"His older cousins are delighted with our choice of name - I just hope Harry is happy with it too."

Father Mark, 37, a factory worker, was diplomatic about the choice of name, should the celebrity become too much for his newborn.

"I wasn't too sure to start with - Harry Potter is probably the most famous name in Britain," he said.

"But we've given him the second name of Joe so he can always use that if he gets fed up of being Harry Potter."