Simon Cowell has welcomed a baby son today, becoming a father for the first time.

The name of the music mogul's son has been revealed as baby Eric Cowell. 

Cowell's girlfriend Lauren Silverman gave birth to their son on February 14, 2014, at 5.45 p.m. ET in New York City. He weighed a healthy 6lb 7oz. 

The 54-year-old revealed the name of his son via Twitter: "Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome." He continued, "Lauren in great shape. Thanks for all your kind messages.. Named after my dad."

It was previously believed that Cowell would name his son Simon Cowell Jr.

Cowell reportedly skipped auditions for Britain's Got Talent and took a flight from London to New York City to be there for the birth of his son. He was photographed outside the hospital.

Lauren Silverman, 37, was not expected to give birth for another two weeks when she went into labour. Her mother and sister were in the delivery room with her at Lenox Hill hospital in NYC.

Rooms at the Lennox hospital can cost up to $1,700 a night and Silverman stayed at the exclusive ward where Beyonce gave birth to her daughter Blue Ivy two years ago.

The birth of Simon Cowell's first child comes just a week after FOX cancelled the X-Factor reality show in USA.