Nicole Richie Explains Why Her Daughter Uses a Different Name
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Nicole Richie has cleared up the confusion about her daughter’s name. Her daughter was born Harlow Winter Kate Madden, but she has always chosen to go by her middle name, Kate.
Clearing the Air
When Nicole recently posted photos to celebrate her daughter’s 18th birthday, she referred to her as Kate Madden. This surprised many fans, who remembered her as Harlow. Nicole explained that there was no sudden change – Kate has used her middle name all her life.
Nicole told People magazine: “She goes by her middle name. She has her whole life.”
Why It Matters
- Birth name: Harlow Winter Kate Madden
- Preferred name: Kate Madden
- Reason: It’s simply the name she feels most comfortable with.
Nicole stressed that in her family, her children are free to be themselves and choose what suits them best.
Fans’ Reaction
The birthday post sparked questions online, but Nicole reassured everyone that Kate has always introduced herself this way. It wasn’t a new decision, just something that had never been widely explained before.
Family First
Nicole and her husband Joel Madden also have a son, Sparrow, who is 16. Nicole’s approach to parenting is about giving her children space to define their own identity. As she put it: “In my house, you can be whoever you want to be.”
In short: Nicole Richie’s daughter was born Harlow, but she has always gone by Kate. It’s not a change – it’s simply her choice.