Ed Sheeran opens up about evolving family values and honoring both parents in a heartfelt interview

April 9, 2025: Ed Sheeran is opening up about a deeply personal decision he and his wife, Cherry Seaborn, made for their children. In a candid conversation on the Call Her Daddy podcast, the chart-topping artist revealed why their daughters carry both his and Cherry’s last names—a reflection of his shifting views on tradition, identity, and family.

 Honoring Both Parents

Sheeran, 34, explained that he grew up in a traditional Irish Catholic household where women typically adopted their husband’s surname. However, becoming a husband and father shifted his perspective. “You can’t just be born and just believe things,” he shared. “You have to experience and be brought over.”

For the Shape of You singer, giving their daughters both last names was a way of acknowledging and respecting the identities of both parents—a decision rooted in love and equality.

Image Credit: Call Her Daddy

 Meaningful Names for Lyra and Jupiter

Ed and Cherry are parents to two daughters—Lyra Antarctica, born in August 2020, and Jupiter, born in May 2022. The couple put thoughtful care into naming their children. Lyra, for instance, is named after the heroine from His Dark Materials, while her middle name, Antarctica, was inspired by a memorable trip the couple took to the continent before her birth.

Family Life and Fatherhood

Fatherhood has profoundly impacted Sheeran’s life. He says becoming a dad brought structure, meaning, and joy to his daily routine. From adjusting his schedule to tattooing his daughters’ footprints on his body, Sheeran is embracing parenthood in every way.

In a sweet detail, he also shared that his girls love drawing on his legs—a playful yet meaningful reminder of their bond.

 Redefining Family Traditions

Ed Sheeran’s thoughtful approach to naming his daughters is part of a broader evolution in how he views family and legacy. By choosing to give them both last names, he’s sending a powerful message: both parents matter, equally.