If you’ve ever tried to keep a secret, you know it’s hard. Now, imagine trying to keep a secret while being one of the most famous people on the planet. Honestly, that’s basically what Ed Sheeran does every time he and his wife, Cherry Seaborn, grow their family.
He’s a master of the "surprise, I’m a dad" Instagram post.
By now, most fans know there isn't just one Ed Sheeran child; there are two. Two daughters who have completely flipped his world upside down, changed how he tours, and even influenced the "deepest, darkest thoughts" on his recent albums.
But there’s a lot more to the story than just some cute names. From a terrifying health crisis during Cherry’s second pregnancy to why they chose those specific, "out of this world" monikers, here is the real deal on the Sheeran girls.
Meet Lyra and Jupiter: The Sheeran Sisters
Ed and Cherry have two daughters. They are very private about them—you won't find their faces plastered across tabloids or even Ed’s own social media. He usually just posts a photo of tiny socks to break the news.
Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran
The first Ed Sheeran child arrived in August 2020. Ed announced her birth on September 1, 2020, after successfully keeping the pregnancy under wraps during the global lockdowns.
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The name Lyra comes from Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series, which Ed loves. As for "Antarctica"? That’s where she was conceived. Ed mentioned in an interview that he and Cherry went to Antarctica right before he took his big career break, and well, the name stuck.
Jupiter Seaborn Sheeran
Their second daughter, Jupiter, was born in May 2022. Again, the world didn't even know Cherry was pregnant until the socks appeared on Instagram.
For a long time, they didn't even reveal her name. It wasn't until a Rolling Stone interview in 2023 that Ed confirmed her name is Jupiter. It’s unique, sure, but Ed has joked that since his wife is named Cherry, they are already a family of "unusual" names. He wanted his girls to have names that felt like they were the only ones in the room with them.
The Scary Truth Behind Jupiter’s Arrival
While the birth of a child is usually all sunshine and rainbows, Jupiter's arrival was shadowed by something much darker.
During the pregnancy in early 2022, Cherry was diagnosed with a tumor.
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The worst part? Doctors told them there was no route to treatment until after the birth because surgery or intense medication could harm the baby. You can only imagine the fear. Ed described feeling "powerless" during this time.
It was a brutal month for him. While dealing with his wife’s health, his best friend Jamal Edwards passed away suddenly, and he was in the middle of a high-profile court case over his song "Shape of You."
Thankfully, after Jupiter was born, Cherry underwent successful surgery. By 2026, she is reportedly doing well, but that period of "fear, depression, and anxiety" is what eventually fueled his album Subtract.
Why the Double Last Name Matters
You might notice both girls have the middle name "Seaborn" or use "Seaborn Sheeran" as a double-barrelled surname in some contexts.
Ed has been vocal about this. He grew up in a culture where the woman usually just takes the husband's name, but marrying Cherry changed his perspective. He wanted his daughters to carry both their parents' legacies.
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He basically thinks it's important for the girls to feel connected to Cherry’s side of the family just as much as his.
Life in 2026: Moving to America?
As of 2026, the Sheeran family is in a bit of a transition. For years, they lived in "Sheeran-ville," their massive estate in Suffolk, England. It has its own pub, a treehouse, and even a chapel.
But Ed recently shared on The 2 Johnnies podcast that they are making a move to the United States.
The reason? He’s touring there for a long stretch and he doesn't want to be a "long-distance" dad. He wants Lyra and Jupiter to see the world with him. He’s said that once Lyra starts primary school, they’ll probably settle back down to give them a "normal" childhood, but for now, they are a traveling unit.
What to Know If You’re Following the Story
If you're looking for the "next" Ed Sheeran child, don't hold your breath for a press release. This couple operates on their own timeline.
Key Takeaways for Fans:
- Privacy is King: Don't expect to see the girls' faces. Ed is adamant about letting them choose their own public lives when they’re older.
- Musical Clues: If you want to know how he feels about his kids, listen to the lyrics. "Welcome to the World" was written specifically for the arrival of his second daughter.
- Health Status: Cherry is healthy now, but that health scare remains a core part of their family's story and why they value their private time so much.
If you want to keep up with the family's journey, the best thing to do is keep an eye on Ed’s official social media for those signature "baby sock" photos—that's usually the only official word we ever get.