Joel Madden and Nicole Richie deliberately gave their baby son Sparrow an unusual name - to toughen him up at school. The couple welcomed their second child Sparrow James Midnight Madden in September.

Madden has revealed the name was inspired by legendary Johnny Cash song A Boy Named Sue, which recounts the difficulties facing a man who is given a woman's name.

The Good Charlotte star admits Sparrow is likely to get picked on at school because of his strange moniker - but he's convinced the experience will be character-building.

He tells Britain's OK! Magazine, "It reminded me of the Johnny Cash song A Boy Named Sue. My worry raising a son in Hollywood is, what will he have to struggle for? I wanted to give him a name that he's going to have to stand up for. I love it."

The couple is also parents to daughter Harlow Winter Madden, 21 months.

Image ©PR Photos

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)