Nicole Richie Reveals Her Daughter Harlow Goes By a Different Name

An 18th birthday tribute from Nicole Richie sparked online chatter over what her daughter is called day to day. The attention shows how quickly small details from a family post can turn into a wider conversation about identity and privacy.

When Nicole Richie wished her daughter a happy birthday online, she likely expected the usual flood of hearts, well-wishes, and nostalgic reactions. Instead, many fans zeroed in on one detail: the name attached to the account she tagged. Richie is now clearing up the speculation — and she says the truth is simpler than the internet made it out to be.

A Birthday Post Sparks Questions

Richie, 44, spoke to People during an event celebrating Australian makeup brand Nude by Nature’s U.S. debut. The event took place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at The Edition in West Hollywood, California.

The conversation turned to a post Richie shared earlier that week to mark her daughter Harlow Winter Kate’s 18th birthday. On Monday, January 12, 2026, Richie uploaded a carousel of photos showing Harlow through the years — the kind of personal timeline post that parents often share when a child reaches a milestone age.

In the caption, Richie wrote, “18 years of you ♥️🎂 @katemaddennn.” That tag quickly prompted comments and theories from followers. Because the account name referenced “Kate,” fans speculated that Harlow may no longer be going by her first name — and that she might be using her middle name instead.

Richie Says Harlow Has Used Her Middle Name Her Whole Life

Richie told People that the online buzz was based on something that has been true for years. Asked about the reaction, Richie explained, “Yeah, she goes by her middle name.”

She also clarified that this wasn’t a recent switch or a sudden rebrand as Harlow entered adulthood. According to Richie, “She has her whole life,” she added, referencing the attention her post received.

In other words, the Instagram tag wasn’t a big reveal — it simply reflected how Harlow has been addressed in daily life for a long time.

Richie also shared that she wasn’t closely monitoring the comment section as the speculation picked up momentum. “I didn't look, but it makes sense … she goes by her middle name,” she said, signaling that she understood why fans were curious even if she didn’t feel the need to correct every assumption in real time.

Why Fans Fixated on the Name

It’s common for celebrity families to attract heightened attention to small details — particularly when it comes to children who have largely grown up outside the spotlight.

For some followers, the Instagram handle may have felt like a clue about a personal change, especially since many people associate a first name with public identity. In Richie's case, her brand, House of Harlow, was a clear representation of her daughter, which is why the sudden switch to "Kate" might have come as a shock.

But Richie’s explanation suggests there was no dramatic shift, no announcement, and no sudden decision made for public consumption. Instead, it appears to be a long-standing preference that simply became visible because of a birthday post.

Richie shares Harlow and her son Sparrow, 16, with her husband, Good Charlotte singer Joel Madden.