Junior Rasmussen
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is known to have dropped her first name, Rachel, which she shares with her character on the TV series Suits. However, the reason behind this decision remains a mystery. While some speculate that it may be due to the alliteration of Meghan Markle or the desire to distance herself from the numerous other Rachels in her class during the '80s, the true reason is yet to be confirmed. Interestingly, during her wedding vows with Prince Harry, the Archbishop of Canterbury did initially refer to her as Rachel Meghan. Still, she has primarily been known as Meghan throughout her life, even by her parents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meghan Markle's Real Name | Rachel Meghan Markle |
| Known Reasons for Using Middle Name | None |
| Maiden Name | Meghan Markle |
| New Name Options | Rachel Meghan Mountbatten-Windsor, Meghan Sussex |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Meghan Markle's real first name is Rachel
So, why didn't Meghan use her first name in her wedding vows? One theory is that it was simply a matter of preference. Perhaps she preferred the alliterative ring of "Meghan Markle." Or maybe she wanted to avoid the rhyming combination of "Rachel Markle." Another possibility is that she wanted to maintain consistency with the name she had been using publicly for years, including during her acting career.
It's worth noting that Meghan is not the only royal to use a different name. When Kate Middleton married Prince William, she used her middle name, "Catherine," in the ceremony. Additionally, when Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles, she accidentally mixed up his names, saying "Philip Charles Arthur George" instead of "Charles Philip Arthur George."
While Meghan's choice of name may have been a personal preference, it also highlights an interesting aspect of identity. As one commentator pointed out, the very concept of identity can be slippery, and the name we choose to use can be a significant factor in how we present ourselves to the world. In Meghan's case, the name "Meghan Markle" had already become associated with her public image and her acting career before she joined the royal family.
Furthermore, the royal family's naming conventions can also be a factor in name choices. Upon marriage, Meghan earned royal status and became a duchess, which meant that she didn't legally change her last name. Instead, she dropped her maiden name, "Markle", and can now simply sign her name as "Meghan." This is because royals with the style of "His or Her Royal Highness" in front of their official titles don't typically require a last name.
Wedding Photography: Camera Settings for Capturing the Big Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Markle has gone by Meghan or Meg for most of her life
It is true that Meghan Markle's first name is Rachel, and her full name is Rachel Meghan Markle. Markle has gone by Meghan or Meg for most of her life, including in her acting career, where she played Rachel Zane in Suits. It is unclear why she goes by her middle name, but it is speculated that it could be because her parents have called her Meghan or Meg almost her entire life. Additionally, there may have been confusion with having two first names, especially when combined with wedding jitters and a large audience.
Markle's decision to go by her middle name is not an uncommon practice. Many people choose to go by their middle names for various reasons, such as having a strong preference for their middle name over their first name, wanting to honour a family member or loved one whose name is their middle name, or seeking a more unique or distinctive name. In Markle's case, it may also have been a practical choice to avoid confusion with her character on Suits, who shared her first name.
Markle's choice to use her middle name instead of her first name has sparked curiosity and speculation among the public and the media. Some have referred to it as a fake name or a "deception," while others have simply wondered why she made this choice. Despite the intrigue, there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer as to why Markle has gone by Meghan or Meg for most of her life. It may simply be a personal preference or a choice she and her family made early on, which she has chosen to continue throughout her adult life, including during her wedding to Prince Harry.
Creative Wedding Slider Ideas for Your Big Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The Royal Wedding - Prince Harry & Meghan Markle [DVD] [2018]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71l2XdQR6uL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Queen Elizabeth II referred to Markle as Rachel in an official letter
The use of Meghan Markle's first name has been a topic of interest for many, especially around the time of her wedding to Prince Harry. Markle's real first name is Rachel, which is also the name of her character on the TV show Suits. It is unclear why Markle goes by her middle name, Meghan, instead of her first name. However, it is known that her parents have called her Meghan or "Meg" for almost her entire life.
In an official letter giving consent to the marriage between Markle and Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth II referred to Markle as Rachel. This letter was issued before the wedding ceremony, where Markle did not use her first name. During the wedding vows, Prince Harry and Markle referred to each other as Henry and Meghan, respectively. The Archbishop of Canterbury, who solemnized the marriage, initially used their full names, Henry Charles Albert David and Rachel Meghan, before they said "I will".
The decision to use her middle name, Meghan, instead of her first name, Rachel, may have been a personal choice for Markle. However, it is worth noting that members of the royal family with a "His or Her Royal Highness" style in front of their official title do not typically require a last name. Additionally, the royal family's official last name is not always used, and some members use different last names based on their geographic references or peerages. For example, Markle could use the last name "Sussex" as the Duchess of Sussex.
Dry Ice Drinks: A Wedding Bar Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Markle's character in Suits was also called Rachel, but this was a coincidence
It is unclear why Meghan Markle goes by her middle name, although her parents have called her Meghan or "Meg" for almost her entire life. It is speculated that she dropped her first name, Rachel, because she was embarrassed by the way it rhymed with her surname, Markle. Another theory is that she preferred the alliteration of Meghan Markle. It is also possible that she disliked the name because it was common at the time. Markle's character in Suits was also called Rachel, but this was a coincidence. Markle's acting career began at Northwestern University, and she played Rachel Zane for seven seasons (2011-2018) in the legal drama series Suits.
When Markle married Prince Harry, she became a member of the royal family and a duchess. As a result, she did not legally change her name but simply dropped her last name. As a royal, she does not need to use a last name due to her public recognition. However, if she needs to use a surname, she could use Mountbatten-Windsor, the royal family's official last name, or she could use Sussex, the geographic reference linked to her peerage.
Using a Wedding DJ App: Music, Timeline, and More
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Royal Wedding [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51D0DS0A6ZL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Markle did not change her last name after her wedding
It is true that Meghan Markle did not change her last name after her wedding to Prince Harry. Instead, she simply dropped her maiden name, Markle. This is because members of the royal family with a 'His' or 'Her Royal Highness' style in front of their official title do not require a last name. This is because these royals are well-known due to their royal duties and regular interactions with the public.
However, should the Duchess of Sussex need to use a last name, she has some options. As Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's granddaughter-in-law, Meghan could use the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. Alternatively, she could follow the tradition of many royal family members who turn to their official royal titles for their last names, using the geographic reference linked to their peerage. This would mean that Meghan could go by Meghan Sussex. This is the last name that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children will likely use in school, work, and beyond, especially if the Duke and Duchess opt out of royal titles for their kids.
In March 2025, Meghan Markle confirmed that she had officially changed her last name to Sussex. This decision was shared with her husband and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. In her Netflix series, 'With Love, Meghan', she gently corrected guest Mindy Kaling when she used her maiden name, stating, "It’s so funny you keep saying Markle... You know it’s Sussex now. You have kids, and you go, ‘No, I share my name with my children.’ And that feels so…I didn’t know how meaningful it would be, but it just means so much to go, ‘This is our family name, our little family name."
Pre-Wedding Blood Tests: Worthwhile or Wasteful?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It's unclear why Meghan Markle went by her middle name during her wedding ceremony, but it's possible that she preferred the alliteration of "Meghan Markle".
Meghan's real first name is Rachel.
Yes, Meghan's parents called her Meghan or "Meg" almost her entire life.
Meghan Markle did not change her last name after her wedding to Prince Harry. She simply dropped her maiden name.
Meghan's full name is now Meghan Mountbatten-Windsor. She could also use Meghan Sussex if she needed a surname.
