Kids Are Ditching Dad’s Surname – See Why

Sun Sep 06 2026 08:05:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Cool kids are ditching their dad’s surnames for names that feel more like themselves. Find out why Hannah, Mich and other teens are making the switch.

The trend of dropping a dad’s surname is growing, as seen with Hannah Leonard‑Ripley and the kids of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Parents’ divorce, lack of emotional ties, and the desire to reclaim identity push children to rename themselves. Legal processes vary worldwide, from court‑approved changes in the U.K. to sweeping paperwork in the U.S., but many find new names empowering.

Kids Are Ditching Dad’s Surname – See Why

Ever notice how many teens want a name that fits their family? Hannah has been living with two surnames for ages – one that mirrors her mother’s family and one that comes from her estranged father. When she married in California, she finally switched to Leonard‑Ripley, a name that keeps her tied to her mother and her husband.

Her choice echoes a larger shift. Two children of Hollywood icons – Zahara and Maddox, who were adopted by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt – recently filed legal papers to drop “Pitt” from their names. They’re carving out a space that isn’t tied to one ultra‑high‑profile family legacy.

Name changes aren’t just paperwork. Dr Harry Parkin, a lecturer who studies how surnames shape us, says picking new names can be a “psychological defence” that lets people separate themselves from painful or unrecognisable pasts. Families that split, like Hannah’s, often leave children with names that feel unrelated to their current life.

The process costs vary. In England and Wales you can file a deed poll for about £53, while in California the whole deal can exceed $500 – including fees for court and newspaper notices. But for many, the investment pays off in a sense of belonging to a new narrative.

Whether you’re a teen looking for identity or just curious how names keep shaping pop culture, the story shows that a fresh name can mean a fresh start.