Why Kim and Kanye called their baby North West

KIM Kardashian and Kanye West reportedly named their daughter North because they see it as a metaphor for "up".

The high-profile pair welcomed their first child together earlier this month at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills.

Speculation was rife Kim and Kanye named their daughter North West after a position on the horizon, but a source has now revealed that their choice of moniker wasn't inspired by a point on a compass.

"They chose the name North because they see it as a metaphor for 'up'. [They've been] telling friends, 'What's North of North? Nothing,'" a source told TMZ.

The US website also writes that Kim and Kanye believe North is "their highest point together as a couple and the pinnacle of the relationship".

"They consider her their 'North Star,'" the source added.

North was bo several weeks premature and weighed just 4 pounds, 15 ounces when she was delivered.

Neither Kim nor Kanye have been seen since she arrived on June 15, but inteational rapper Kanye is tipped to make a red carpet appearance on Thursday.

The Daily Mail reports that the hip-hop star is expected to attend True Magazine's birthday party in Los Angeles with his friend Jay-Z later this week - his first outing since becoming a father.

Kanye recently released his new album Yeezus, but is said to have put his busy schedule on hold in favour of spending time with his new family.