Why Is She Called ‘Ivanka Trump’ Instead of ‘Yael Kushner’?

Introduction

The question of why Ivanka Trump is referred to as 'Ivanka Trump' and not her adopted religious name, 'Yael Kushner,' has sparked numerous discussions and shed light on cultural and religious practices. Below, we clarify the reasons behind this naming convention and explore the significance of names in both public and personal contexts.

The Naming Context

The question is often raised with a misunderstanding rooted in antisemitic misconceptions. Let's break down the naming practices of Ivanka Trump and her Jewish heritage in a non-judgmental and factual manner.

Ivanka Trump, whose legal name is Ivana Marie Trump, is the daughter of Donald Trump. Upon her marriage to Jared Kushner, she adopted the name Yael, which is a Hebrew name. Many American Jews, including herself, use both an English name and a Hebrew name to honor their cultural and religious roots.

Public and Personal Names

Ivanka's choice to use her married name 'Ivanka Trump' rather than her religious name 'Yael Kushner' is not uncommon among women in the American society. Many American women do not take their husband's last name after marriage, and Ivanka is one of them. Here are the key points explaining her decision:

Ivanka's legal name is formally recorded as 'Ivanna Marie Trump.' 'Ivanka' is a diminutive form of her name that she has used since childhood to differentiate from her mother, both of whom share the same name. Ivanka established the name 'Ivanka Trump' in her professional and business capacities before her marriage. She has the option to use any of her names when signing legal documents, such as official documents related to her children's education. Yael is her religious name, which she uses for personal and religious contexts. It is not uncommon for individuals to have a separate religious name used in their religious practices.

Media Naming Conventions

Media outlets often adhere to the public's familiarity and preferences when it comes to naming conventions. This is why Ivanka Trump is widely referred to as 'Ivanka Trump' rather than 'Yael Kushner.' Here are some additional explanations:

Individuals like Ivanka have the right to choose their public name, and many well-known professionals choose to maintain their original names for branding and personal branding reasons. Media prefer to use people's public names to ensure clarity and prevent confusion among the readers or viewers. Similarly, other public figures are often referred to by their public names. For example, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is commonly known as 'Kate Middleton,' and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is referred to as 'Camilla Parker-Bowes' prior to her marriage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of why Ivanka Trump is referred to as 'Ivanka Trump' instead of her adopted religious name 'Yael Kushner' can be answered by understanding cultural and personal naming conventions. Ivanka's choice to use her professional and public name 'Ivanka Trump' does not detract from her religious identity. It is simply her preference and a reflection of her personal and professional choices.