The rumour mill has gone into overdrive claiming that Jay-Z persuaded wife Beyonce to name their newborn daughter Blue Ivy, in tribute to his ex-girlfriend Blu Cantrell.

Blu is a has-been singer who had a couple of hits back in the noughties with Breathe and Hit 'Em Up Style, and was also known back in the day for dating Jay-Z. Now, Blu has resurfaced to join the rest of the world in congratulating Jay and Bey on the birth of their daughter Blue Ivy.

Making reference to their similar names, Blu wrote on Twitter: "Of course I want to say congratulations to Jay-Z & Beyonce on having a healthy, & happy baby girl!! I love her name :-)" 

Other celebs to welcome Blue to the world, include Russell Simmons, Rihanna, Tyrese, Solange and P. Diddy.

Do you think Jay was thinking of Blu when choosing the baby's name?

Beyonce's maternity style in pictures...