Suri Cruise Ditches Estranged Father’s Surname after Turning 18 & Debuts Her New Moniker: Report

Suri Cruise discretely changing her name to drop her father's last name is only one of the many things she can do since she turned 18. Among others, the daughter of famous celebrities Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes can also legally talk about her estranged relationship with her father.

Suri Cruise, the daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, marked her transition into adulthood by making a significant change to her name. Recently turned 18, Suri decided to drop her father's surname.

This bold decision was revealed during her performance in the musical "Head Over Heels" in New York. In the production, she reportedly played Princess Philoclea, a character originated by Alexandra Socha in the Broadway adaptation.

In the high school play's casting sheet, she was credited as Suri Noelle. This name change reflects her choice to adopt her mother's middle name; Katie Holmes' full name is Kate Noelle Holmes.

Following news of her decision, Suri was photographed unbothered strolling New York City. Wearing a pink top and white pants, she walked with earphones to drown out the noise.

The name change is also a notable departure from the name listed on her original birth certificate. The document confirmed that she was born Suri Cruise, inheriting the surname of her famous father.

Filed with the Los Angeles County Register-Recorder/County Clerk on May 8, 2006, the certificate itself has several peculiarities. Notably, Suri was born on April 18, yet the document wasn’t filed until 20 days later, on May 8.

This delay was unusual as St. John’s Hospital typically files birth certificates within ten days of birth. According to a hospital, the lag occurred due to the absence of a parent or designated representative to sign the certificate. Interestingly, the certificate was signed by a person described as a "friend." However, the signature remains illegible.

Another unusual occurrence is, Anne Heffernan, RNC, the "Attendant or Certifier's" signature. Anne was not present in the delivery room, nor did she see the baby.

However, hospital representatives clarified that although it is standard for the attending doctor to sign, it is not mandatory. Heffernan was authorized to sign in the doctor's absence.

Now that Suri Noelle has turned 18, her legal adulthood grants her more than just the ability to change her name. It also empowers her to freely express her views about personal matters, including her relationship with her father and his Scientology beliefs.

Tony Ortega, who has researched Scientology for decades, shared, "Suri would have been too young to sign any agreement, but she will now be free to talk if she wants to, and it's going to be really interesting if she has something to say."

Tony also explained that part of why Katie left when she did when Suri was six, was because she would have witnessed what Tom's other kids, Isabella and Connor, went through because of Scientology.

However, only time can tell if Suri is willing to open up about her personal life to the public. Born to famous A-list parents, she is aware of what people already know about her connection with her father.

Over the past years, Suri's estranged relationship with Tom has been no secret. Up until her coming of age, the father and daughter remained distant, with Tom filming “Mission Impossible 8” thousands of miles away from Suri, who celebrated her birthday in the US.

We previously reported about Tom's sighting in London and Suri's celebration in New York. The 61-year-old actor, pictured in the pilot seat of a helicopter, one of his favorite modes of transport, flashed a big smile. Tom’s appearance, however, sparked several responses from netizens.

“OMG. My All Time Favorite Mr Tom Cruise looking kinda grandpa Already 😵,” a Facebook user noted. “Wow! I didn’t recognize him…,” remarked another. “This pic doesn't look like him…,” someone else agreed. Similarly, another wrote, “Boy, he looks different.” Some people also took note of another part of Tom’s appearance, “That color hair makes him look old.”

Meanwhile, Suri, who lives with her mom in New York, was spotted on her birthday. The actor’s youngest and estranged daughter was seen out with a friend in New York City on her birthday, holding a present while she wore a denim jacket and matching bootcut jeans. She also clutched a pink umbrella amid a wet day.

Suri’s appearance also sparked a mixed bag of reactions from social media, but her resemblance to her mother, Katie, stood out to commenters.

“Beautiful girl, looks like her Momma❣️🫶” a social media user gushed. “Gorgeous!!! A photocopy of her mama,” an Instagrammer agreed. “Wow, she is her mom’s twin!” someone else wrote. “I thought this was her mom 😮, another added.

Other social media users took note of Suri’s umbrella for different reasons. “She need not much for a perfect birthday party. Friends, an umbrella and the rest is coming!! Our girl is a woman!! Strong as her mother!!😍” an X user commented. “Why is she using an umbrella for a four-year-old?" someone else asked.

Suri’s fashion sense didn’t go unnoticed either, as an Instagrammer wrote, “What is she wearing??? … I see she got her fashion sense from her mom ...”

Days after her birthday, Suri was again spotted with her mom. The two dressed laid back while grabbing a cup of coffee. Their chic outfits were even highlighted by Vogue's Twitter, with the magazine suggesting the duo star in a Chloé campaign.

Suri and her mother, Katie, share an unmistakable and profound bond, nurtured through years of being together. Their relationship exemplifies a deep and enduring mother-daughter connection.

Katie has always been protective of Suri. In 2017, she stated that her child was the most important person to her, emphasizing that her upbringing was paramount to her work at the time. She shared the importance of being present for her child and giving her a stable, innocent childhood.

Katie felt blessed to do what she did in her career, but she believed that nothing in the world was better than watching her child succeed. The actress endeavored to cherish Suri's childhood while it lasted.

Katie acknowledged the bittersweet reality that children grow more independent each day. Despite the inevitable sadness of their eventual departure, she aimed to provide everything Suri needed before she ventured into her own path.

When Suri was 14, actress Leah Remini believed that Tom intended to wait until his daughter was older to introduce her to Scientology. According to Leah, Scientology viewed Katie as a suppressive person, an enemy.

This meant Tom believed Katie couldn't have a relationship with Suri. Leah also suggested that Tom's plan was to eventually draw Suri into Scientology as she grew older, potentially distancing her from her mother.

Leah expressed surprise at Katie's sudden breakup from Tom in 2012. She recalled Katie being deeply immersed in Tom's Scientology world. However, she commended Katie for prioritizing her daughter's well-being.

Leah suggested there might be an agreement in place to safeguard Suri. She added that she was proud of Katie Holmes for removing her daughter from what could have been a harmful situation for both Suri and their relationship.

Still, Regarding the future, former Scientology spokesperson Mike Rinder, who hasn't seen his two eldest children since leaving the organization, conveyed, "Suri is not a Scientologist and never will be…she deserves love and sympathy."

Over the years, Katie has showered her daughter with love and care, offering solace after a tumultuous childhood due to her parents' divorce. Soon, Suri will have the freedom to shape her path, empowered to make her own choices as she enters adulthood.