Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles have unveiled their "beautiful" daughter Blue Ivy Carter.

The couple welcomed Blue Ivy into the family on January 7.

Jay-Z has released images of the family in their lavish suite at New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital, Blue Ivy's birthplace.

Many of the six photos posted on the rapper's website Life + Times are solo close-ups of Blue Ivy wrapped in polka-dotted hospital blankets.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé have also shared images of themselves cradling their infant.

The parents are elated to share these dear memories with their fans.

"We welcome you to share in our joy. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this beautiful time in our lives. The Carter family," read a posted note that appears to be handwritten.

On Thursday the couple filed an application to trademark Blue Ivy's name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office through Beyoncé's company BGK Trademark Holdings. The application is currently pending and is expected to be approved, as parents are authorised to trademark the names of their minor children in the US.

Blue Ivy is the couple's first child.

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