Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Hasn’t Changed Last Name After Breakup

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Meri Brown isn’t ready to let go of her name.

As a devoted admirer, I’d put it this way: Even though the world of Sister Wives has seen Kody Brown and me part ways over two years ago, I’m holding onto my cherished surname, one that’s been a part of my identity for three whole decades. For now, at least!

In the September 12th episode of the “I Do, Part 2” podcast, Meri mentioned that she has discussed this topic extensively with her closest friend and others, but currently, she is choosing not to.

After stressing that “Brown” has been her surname for quite some time, since their wedding in 1990, she went on to say, “For the 19 years prior, I was known by a different name, my father’s name.

Plus, she feels like reverting back to her maiden name of Meri Barber would be a mouthful.

As a devoted admirer, I jokingly pointed out that it’s quite challenging to pronounce due to the numerous Rs, but brown, thankfully, is much more straightforward.

And it doesn’t seem like the decision is bound to change anytime soon.

My sister and I often find humor in the situation since we’re both divorced,” she said. “We say things like, ‘We love you, Dad, but we have no intention of returning to our old surnames.’

Janelle Brown, one of Kody’s former partners who parted ways with him in 2022, is among those still using his surname. On the other hand, Christine Brown, Kody’s first wife to leave the relationship and marry David Woolley in 2023, adopted his last name as well.

Since the Brown family has divided over the years, with Kody Brown now exclusively married to Robyn Brown, his previous spouses have navigated the highs and lows of their respective romantic journeys.

In her own words on a May 4 episode of the TLC series, Meri expressed, “I’ve had some dating experiences where I feel that people weren’t interested due to my background. As someone who comes from a polygamous family, it’s possible they might be apprehensive, thinking that I desire the same lifestyle.

Because of her intricate history, she also underscored the significance of trust and sincerity in any upcoming relationships.

She went on to say, “There’s a great deal of doubt, and it’s crucial for me to have faith in someone and take their words at face value.” She explained further, “I need to have faith that if someone tells me they care for me deeply, they truly mean it.

For more on the full Sister Wives family, keep reading.

Logan was born on May 21, 1994, making him the firstborn son of Kody and Janelle Brown. As part of Kody’s extensive family, he is the eldest among 18 children.

In the year 2020, he completed his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Nevada. Exactly two years after that, he tied the knot with Michelle Petty.

Aspyn is the oldest child of Kody and Christine Brown. She was born on March 14, 1995.

Apart from being a graduate of the University of Nevada, Aspyn got married to Mitch Thompson back in 2018. In April 2025, she shared the happy news of her pregnancy.

Born on July 29, 1995, Leon is the only child of Kody and Meri Brown.

In 2020, Leon came out as transgender, sharing that they were previously “socialized as a girl.”

As a young individual, I found myself in an environment heavily influenced by traditional gender roles and norms, which were unfortunately restrictive. However, I’m proudly at a point now where I can openly express my true self to the world. This self embraces the fluidity of genderqueer identity, identifies as transgender, and stands unapologetically for who I am.

Leon married Audrey Kiss in 2020 at a Colorado courthouse wedding.

The second of Kody and Christine’s children, Mykelti was born on June 9, 1996.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I joyously tied the knot with Antonio “Tony” Padron in the year 2016. Our special day was beautifully captured on the popular series, Sister Wives. Together, we’ve been blessed with a beautiful daughter named Avalon and a pair of handsome twin sons named Archer and Ace. Life couldn’t be more delightful with my loving family by my side.

Janelle gave birth to Madison—her second child with Kody—on Nov. 3, 1995.

Following her graduation from Utah State University, Madison tied the knot with Caleb Brush in 2016. Together, they are proud parents to Axel, Evangalynn, and Josephine.

Janelle and Kody welcomed Hunter—their third child together—on Feb. 9, 1997.

In 2020, Hunter completed his studies at the United States Air Force Academy. Later, he pursued a nursing degree at Johns Hopkins University.

Christine gave birth to her and Kody’s third child together on Aug. 7, 1998.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but be deeply moved by the life and tragic death of Garrison, born on Halloween in 1998. Being the third youngest child of Kody and Janelle, he was a cherished member of their family. It’s heartbreaking to learn that he took his own life on March 5, 2024, at only 25 years old. His loss leaves an unfillable void in our collective hearts.

In simpler terms, Dayton is Robyn Brown’s older child from a previous marriage to Preston Jessop, and he joined Kody’s family in 2015, about five years after Robyn and Kody had a spiritual union.

In the year 2014, Kody formally ended his marriage with Meri through a legal divorce, which allowed him to wed Robyn and legally adopt Dayton as his own child.

Nicknamed Gabe, the fifth child of Kody and Janelle was born on Oct. 11, 2001. 

Kody and Christine welcomed their fourth child on Oct. 15, 2001.

Gwendlyn tied the knot with Beatriz Queiroz in 2023.

In my enthusiastic fangirl world, I’d say something like: “I’ve always been captivated by Aurora, the enchanting girl who, as it turns out, is not just Robyn’s second-born, but also became Kody’s cherished daughter when he tied the knot with my beloved Robyn in 2014, officially adopting her a year later in 2015!

Kody and Christine welcomed their fifth child together on June 13, 2003.

Her struggles with scoliosis have been documented on Sister Wives.

In her marriage with Preston, Robyn had Breanna as their third child together. Following her remarriage to Kody, Breanna, along with her elder siblings, underwent a legal process to become part of the new family.

On December 7th, 2004, Kody and Janelle became parents to their youngest child as a couple. In the year 2023, their former partners attended Savannah’s high school graduation ceremony together.

Born on April 13, 2010, Truely is the youngest child of Kody and Christine.

Kody and Robyn welcomed their second youngest son on Oct. 27, 2011.

On January 10th, 2016, Ariella entered the world as the youngest daughter of Kody and Robyn, making her the youngest among the 18 children in the entire Brown clan.

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2025-09-12 22:48