LONDON - Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate have named their baby son Louis, royal officials said Saturday, prompting online comments on popular culture references and even an anti-Brexit message in the unusual moniker.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to announce that they have named their son Louis Arthur Charles," said a statement from Kensington Palace, the couple's London residence.

"The baby will be known as His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge," it said.

The name likely pays tribute to William's great-great uncle Louis Mountbatten, who was killed by the IRA in 1979, while Charles is the name of William's father.

But the Daily Mail tabloid pointed out it was also a favorite for French kings and had "a distinctly Gallic royal flavor".

The French embassy to London tweeted: "We're delighted that you've been given such a lovely French name!"

Louis is currently only the 71st most popular name for a baby boy in England and Wales.

Other commentators joked the royal couple may have been inspired in their choice after meeting One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.

Pottermore, author JK Rowling's publishing company, instead pointed out that Louis, Arthur and Charles were all members of the Weasley family from the bestselling Harry Potter books.

"You were named after three iconic Weasleys," it said. - AFP