Robin Thicke's parents wanted him to be a girl.

The 'Blurred Lines' hitmaker admits his mother Gloria and father Alan were so convinced they were going to welcome a baby daughter into the world 36 years ago that they'd already picked out their favourite name, but were shocked when the tiny tot popped out as a boy and were forced to change their pre-planned moniker.

Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, he said: ''I was supposed to be Melissa Thicke, so I guess I was born and they said, 'Let's still give him a girl's name.' ''

The 36-year-old heartthrob took inspiration from his showbiz parents - who divorced in 1983 - when he was a youngster as he wanted to have Gloria's singing ability and 'Growing Pains' star Alan's charming personality and acting talent.

He explained: ''I wanted to be more like them, like my mom as singer and my dad as charmer. He's excessively charming.''

Robin's dad Alan - who has also hosted numerous game shows - previously admitted he had always wanted to be a singer himself, but never made it and he's glad his son has been so successful.

The 66-year-old Canadian actor said: ''I'm thrilled for him. I've always dabbled in music. If I could have grown up to be Robin Thicke, I would have. But I'm glad somebody in the family did.''