Liam Payne’s untimely death has left the world in shock, but a heartfelt story from his life has recently resurfaced, shedding light on his bond with his son, Bear. The One Direction star, who tragically passed away on 16 October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, leaves behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Bear, born on 22 March 2017 to Liam and his then-partner Cheryl, was given his unique name after a touching moment in the delivery room. Initially hesitant about the name, Liam later explained during an interview on The Late Late Show with James Corden that a midwife had affectionately called his newborn “little bear” due to the baby’s growling sounds. The moniker stuck, and the couple agreed it suited their son perfectly.

“He had this thing where he’d make these growling noises,” Liam shared. “At first, I wasn’t sure about the name, but now, I can’t imagine him as anything else. When I look at him, he’s just Bear.”

Cheryl later revealed that she was drawn to the name because it was unforgettable and unique. “When Bear leaves a room, you won’t forget him,” she said in an interview in 2017.

The couple, who began their relationship in 2016, kept Cheryl’s pregnancy private until shortly before Bear’s birth. In a tender post announcing his arrival, Liam expressed his joy, writing, “I’m completely in awe of his incredible mother and how she’s been through it all. This is a moment I’ll cherish forever.”

Despite separating in 2018, Liam and Cheryl remained united in their commitment to raising Bear, fiercely protecting his privacy.

Liam’s funeral, set for 20 November in the UK, will see family, close friends, and his former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson come together to pay their final respects.

As fans grieve, stories like Bear’s birth highlight Liam Payne’s softer, more personal side—one that will be remembered forever.