A recent TikTok discussion highlighted the ongoing conversation about how women in politics and other professional fields are often referred to differently than their male counterparts. The contributor argued that figures like Vice President Kamala Harris should be addressed by their last names, similar to male politicians. This viewpoint resonated, particularly when considering how women often require their first names to be used alongside their last names in various professions, such as Hillary Clinton in politics or Marie Curie in science.
A study by the Mayo Clinic in 2022 indicated that female doctors were twice as likely as their male colleagues to be referred to by their first names. A 2018 Cornell University report found that college students were 56% more likely to call male professors by their last names than female professors. Stav Atir, a social psychologist with a doctorate from Cornell, noted that the use of first names tends to reflect gender stereotypes, portraying women as more approachable but also lower in status, while men are typically viewed as more competent.
The TikTok creator suggested that referring to women by their first names diminishes their authority and infantilizes them. However, upon reflection, the author of this piece expressed a preference for being known by her first name. She noted that even Kamala Harris encourages reporters to call her Kamala.
The writer shared her personal journey of name changes through marriage. Initially carrying her father’s last name, she adopted her first husband’s surname during their marriage, keeping it post-divorce for the sake of her children. In her recent marriage, she embraced her new husband’s last name, eager to change her initials to A. S. K and excited to be Mrs. Kruse.
She emphasized that none of her last names truly encapsulated who she is. The author loves her first name, AnnaMarie, and enjoys its uniqueness, as it features a distinctive spelling. She humorously noted that she introduces herself with pride about having two first names, a quality she’s passed down to her daughter.
Despite the importance of having an official name in her career, she prefers a connection to her first name over her last, likening herself to iconic figures who need no last name. Moving forward, she will be publishing under AnnaMarie Kruse, marking a new chapter in her professional identity while still celebrating her individuality.