Nicole Richie’s Daughter Harlow Rebrands as Kate Madden on 18th Birthday

A new chapter has begun for one of Hollywood's most famous Gen Z faces. Nicole Richie’s eldest child, previously known to the world as Harlow Madden, has signaled a significant identity shift just as she reaches a major milestone.

According to E! Online, Richie celebrated her daughter’s 18th birthday on January 12, 2026, by sharing a series of nostalgic photos. However, it was the caption—"18 years of you @katemaddennn"—that caught fans' attention. By tagging her daughter as Kate Madden, Richie confirmed that the teenager is now publicly going by one of her middle names.

Kate Madden: Why Nicole Richie’s Daughter Dropped Her Famous First Name

Born in 2008 as Harlow Winter Kate Madden, her name was a deliberate blend of her parents' tastes. Richie wanted a "hippie" vibe, while father Joel Madden leaned toward something more biblical. They eventually settled on Harlow, inspired by icons Jean Harlow and Shalom Harlow. Now officially an adult, Kate's decision to pivot to her more "classic" middle name is seen by many as a move to carve out an identity separate from her childhood fame.

A Legacy Built on a Full Name

The name change is particularly ironic given Richie's professional history. In 2008, she launched the House of Harlow jewelry line, followed by the fashion brand Winter Kate in 2010. Both labels were direct tributes to her daughter’s full name. Richie once joked in 2012 that her daughter had "no idea" she had two lines named after her, as she wanted her to just "be a kid."

As Kate steps into adulthood, she joins a growing list of celebrity offspring navigating unique nomenclature. While Elon Musk’s son X Æ A-Xii and Kim Kardashian’s daughter North West embrace more abstract names, Kate Madden seems to be opting for a quieter, more traditional path.