Melinda Gates' Kids Ditched Their Famous Last Name

Melinda French Gates knows there’s a lot attached to a name.

So, since Bill Gates, her former spouse (they divorced in 2021 after being married for 27 years) prefers a hands-off approach when it comes to family matters, he allowed their children – daughters Phoebe (age 22), Jennifer (age 28), and Rory (age 25) – to decide on the surnames they wanted to use.

Melinda expressed in an article for Elle’s 2025 Women of Impact issue, published March 17, “I hoped the children would be recognized for their true selves,” she said. “My eldest daughter decided to identify with the Gates name, feeling prepared to assume it. My son, however, opted out. He preferred speaking French throughout his high school years.

She went on explaining, “I made an effort to ground them in reality and highlight things as often as I could. We had genuine conversations about our unique family situation, but please don’t feel superior due to it.

As a passionate admirer, I can’t help but share more about my personal journey – the separation from the ex-CEO of Microsoft. Let me tell you, partings like these are indeed excruciatingly tough, and I wouldn’t dare to imagine such a predicament for any family.

Indeed, Bill made headlines earlier this year by calling the divorce “the mistake I most regret.”

What did Melinda do in response? She raised her eyebrows slightly as if implying that the person had done more online research than herself by saying, “It seems you’ve researched more on Google than I have.

After his remarks to The Times of U.K. in January, Bill clarified that he had moved on from the divorce, as he stated on Today on February 4.

In response to comments made to The Times UK in January, Bill later explained that he had progressed beyond the divorce, which he discussed during his appearance on Today on February 4.

Additionally, he mentioned that their three offspring serve as a significant point of pride when reflecting upon their bond.

As a devoted follower, I’m thriving, immersed in a wealth of work that brings me joy. Although our divorce wasn’t a walk in the park, sharing the journey with our three wonderful children and the accomplishments we made together – even if I knew it wouldn’t be permanent – is something I would gladly revisit.

For more celeb kids who have ditched their famous last names, read on.

In June 2024, during her high school graduation ceremony, the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes went by Suri Noelle – a combination of her first name and her mother’s middle name.

Previously serving as the President of the United States, Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama’s daughter, Malia Obama, chose to be identified by only her first and middle names (Malia Ann) in credit for her work on the 2023 film project titled “The Heart.

On her 18th birthday in May 2024, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt chose to simplify her name to just Shiloh Jolie by legally removing Brad Pitt’s surname, since she is primarily associated with Angelina Jolie as her mother.

Designer Mossimo Giannulli’s and actress Lori Loughlin’s daughter, Olivia Jade Gianulli, opts to be known simply as Olivia Jade in her YouTube career, dropping the family name.

Rob Schneider’s child, Tanner Elle Schneider, opted to use Elle King as her stage name instead, which is a blend of her middle name and her mother’s last name, London King, for her musical profession.

Kathy Najimy, who starred in Hocus Pocus, and Dan Finnerty from The Hangover are Samia Najimy Finnerty’s parents. However, for her musical career, she has chosen to be known simply as Samia.

As a seasoned lifestyle connoisseur, I’m thrilled to share a fascinating piece of Hollywood family history. I’m referring to August Coppola, the esteemed brother of the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, who welcomed a new addition to our dynamic clan – a son named Nicolas Kim Coppola. However, this extraordinary young man is not just known by that name; he goes by an iconic moniker that resonates with millions worldwide: Nicolas Cage. This inspiring title was drawn from the powerful character Luke Cage, reflecting the superheroic energy that pulsates through every facet of his life and work.

Will Smith’s and Jada Pinkett Smith’s daughter has decided to use just her first name, WILLOW, for her musical stage name.

2025-03-19 00:47

Melinda Gates’ Kids Ditched Their Famous Last Name

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