Like his younger brother Liam, Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher is now a proud papa.

According to MTV Europe, Gallagher and wife Meg Matthews gave birth to a baby girl, named Anais, today at 1:17 GMT at the Portland Hospital in London. The child is the couple's first.

In a statement issued via Oasis' British handlers, Gallagher said that he was "delighted" with the birth, and both mother and child were said to be in good health following the five-hour delivery.

The birth was induced as the child, who weighed in at 7 pounds and 2 ounces, was not due for another two weeks. Noel explained to MTV Europe why the decision was made. "[The baby] was that big," he said, "[and] the doctor said it was best to take it out before it got any bigger."

Rather than naming his daughter after one of his musical inspirations, as brother Liam did (see "Oasis' Liam Gallagher Names Son After Slain Beatle"), Noel and Matthews instead chose something more literary for the child. The name Anais was apparently inspired by French author Anais Nin, noted for her surrealist style and early feminist works.

Liam Gallagher's wife Patsy Kensit gave birth to their son, Lennon, at the same London hospital last September.

Noel will have more than a month to bond with his newborn daughter before his band duties call him away from the U.K., as Oasis is slated to kick off a Japanese tour on February 29 in Yokohama. Oasis' fourth album, "Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants," is due out in the U.S. that same day.