5 famous women who still use their ex-husband’s surnames
In the world of entertainment, politics, and gospel music, a growing number of women are challenging the conventional norms of name-changing after marriage.
Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru, Kawira Mwangaza have all retained their surnames from previous marriages.
One of the most iconic examples of this phenomenon is Tina Turner, who famously fought to keep her ex-husband Ike Turner’s last name after their tumultuous divorce.
Ike Turner once claimed credit for transforming Anna Mae into the iconic Tina Turner, but the singer declared in no uncertain terms that the name mattered most to her.
In a past candid interview, American-born Swiss singer Tina Turner expressed her desire for the name without any accompanying financial settlements.
“I wanted the name and nothing else—no money, no house, no half-interest to the fruits of the labour of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue,” she said, emphasizing the profound significance of the Turner name in her music career.
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Similarly, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Mumbi, formerly known as Tony Waiguru’s wife, chose to retain the distinct name even after parting ways with her ex-husband.
However, her subsequent marriage to city lawyer Kamotho Waiganjo introduced a new paradigm, as Kikuyu culture traditionally expects wives to adopt their husband’s first name as their surname.
After her wedding in 2019, she told the press that she would drop her ex-husband’s surname.
“You can call me Mumbi, Anne Mumbi, Anne Mumbi Kamotho, minji minji is also fine,” the Kirinyaga county boss said.
The decision to retain a previous surname is not limited to the entertainment industry or politics.
The late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai retained her surname even after divorcing in 1976.
Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, currently married to Mr Murega Baicu, continues to use her ex-husband’s name, Mwangaza, despite their separation.
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Gospel singer Anastacia Kakii, renowned for her hit song “Kiatu Kivue,” recently cautioned women against changing their names to include their husbands’ names.
Reflecting on her own experience, where she built her brand under her ex-husband’s name Mukabwa, Anastacia expressed regret and encouraged women to maintain their individual identities.
In her advice to women, Anastacia said, “You have your name; use that. Even if you get married, you will be Mrs. so and so, that is okay. Stop replacing your name with your husband’s. Brand your name or use your parent’s name.”