In a move that reflects her growing independence, Suri Cruise, the 20-year-old daughter of Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, has legally changed her name to Suri Noelle. This decision, made during her freshman year at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marks a significant step in her journey towards self-identity.
The name change was first noticed when Suri registered to vote in Allegheny County under her new name. It is believed that the change was made in New York, where name-change requests are typically sealed, which is why no application was filed in Allegheny County.
Honoring her mother’s legacy
Noelle is Katie Holmes’s middle name, and the decision to adopt it in place of Cruise’s surname suggests a desire to honor her mother. Holmes has always been a significant presence in Suri’s life, supporting her through important milestones such as her college acceptance. In 2026, Holmes expressed her pride in Suri’s achievements, stating, “Of course, I will miss the close proximity, but I’m really proud of her, and I’m happy.”
Suri was already referred to as Suri Noelle at her high school graduation ceremony at LaGuardia High School in 2026. It is also the name that appears on the playbill for Midsummer!, a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which she is currently performing alongside other college students at the Peirce Studio of the Trust Arts Education Center in Pittsburgh.
A decade of estrangement
Suri’s decision to drop her father’s last name comes after a decade of estrangement from Tom Cruise. The couple divorced in 2012, and Cruise has not been seen with Suri since shortly after the divorce. It is rumored that Cruise’s ties to the Church of Scientology may have contributed to the estrangement, as Holmes and Suri are viewed as “Suppressive Persons” after leaving the religion.
Despite the estrangement, Cruise has reportedly stayed involved in Suri’s life by paying child support throughout her childhood. However, his reaction to Suri’s name change has been described as “almost nonexistent.” A source close to Cruise stated, “He’s not angry, he’s not making phone calls, and he’s certainly isn’t trying to change her mind. As far as Tom is concerned, this chapter of his life ended years ago.”
A growing trend in Hollywood
Suri’s name change is part of a growing trend in Hollywood, where children of high-profile couples are choosing to drop their fathers’ last names. In 2026, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s youngest daughter Vivienne made a formal request to drop her father’s surname. Shiloh, another of Jolie and Pitt’s children, also changed her name to Shiloh Jolie in 2026.
These decisions reflect a broader cultural shift towards individuality and self-expression. For Suri, the name change is a significant step in her journey towards independence and self-identity. As she continues to pursue her education and career, Suri Noelle is carving out her own path, separate from the shadow of her famous parents.
