The Origins of Meghan Markle’s Full Name
To understand why Meghan Markle goes by her middle name, it’s helpful to know her full given name. Meghan’s birth name is Rachel Meghan Markle. Born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, she was given the traditional first name Rachel, which has biblical roots and was quite popular in the 1980s. Her middle name, Meghan, however, is the name she chose to be identified by throughout her life and career. This decision, while seeming simple, reflects a deeper personal connection and identity choice.Why Does Meghan Markle Go by Her Middle Name?
Personal Preference and Identity
The Impact of Acting and Public Career
Before becoming a member of the British royal family, Meghan Markle was an actress best known for her role on the television series "Suits." In Hollywood and the entertainment industry, having a distinctive and memorable name can greatly benefit one’s career. "Meghan Markle" is a name that stands out and is easy to remember. It flows well and has a certain elegance that aligns with her public persona. It’s not uncommon for actors and performers to use their middle names or stage names for professional reasons, and Meghan is no exception.The Tradition and Family Influence Behind the Name
Family Background and Name Choices
Meghan Markle’s family also influenced her name usage. Her mother, Doria Ragland, and father, Thomas Markle, gave her the first name Rachel, but it was Meghan herself who adopted her middle name for everyday use. There isn’t a widely documented family tradition of going by middle names, but Meghan’s choice seems to be a personal one rather than a strictly cultural or familial practice. In some families, middle names are used to honor relatives or to preserve family heritage, but in Meghan’s case, the decision to use “Meghan” was more about personal preference and professional identity.How Common Is It to Go by a Middle Name?
Meghan Markle is not alone in opting to go by a middle name. Many people worldwide choose this route for various reasons:- They prefer the sound or meaning of their middle name.
- They share a first name with a parent or sibling and want to avoid confusion.
- They want to differentiate themselves professionally.
- They simply feel a stronger personal affinity for their middle name.
The Significance of “Meghan” as a Name
Meaning and Popularity
The name “Meghan” (or Meghan, Meghan) is a variation of “Margaret,” which means “pearl.” It has been a popular name in English-speaking countries since the 1970s and 1980s. The name carries a modern yet classic vibe, which may have appealed to Meghan Markle as she crafted her own identity separate from the more traditional “Rachel.” Using “Meghan” allowed her to present a name that felt contemporary and unique, helping her stand out in her professional field and later, on the global stage as a royal.How Meghan Markle’s Name Became a Brand
Once Meghan Markle rose to international fame, particularly after her engagement to Prince Harry, her name became a global brand. “Meghan Markle” is synonymous with fashion, philanthropy, and modern royalty. The choice to go by her middle name helped establish a distinctive brand identity, which has been crucial in her career transitions—from actress to duchess to entrepreneur and humanitarian. Her name now carries weight in media, business, and activism circles, and maintaining “Meghan Markle” as her public name has helped her secure this unique position.Other Notable Figures Who Use Middle Names
To put Meghan’s choice into perspective, it’s interesting to note other famous individuals who use their middle names publicly:- J. Edgar Hoover – his full name was John Edgar Hoover, but he went by Edgar.
- Neil Patrick Harris – “Patrick” is his middle name.
- Sarah Michelle Gellar – uses her middle name Michelle professionally.