Kim Kardashian explains why she changed her name before becoming famous

Although fans recognize her as Kim Kardashian, the reality star originally went by a longer version of her name before achieving stardom. I always went by Kimberly until we signed on for the reality show, Kardashian, 45, shared with Time on Thursday, December 4, referencing E!s Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which aired from 2007 to 2021. When I saw my name on the chyron as Kimberly Kardashian, I thought, Thats too long for people to say, so we just shortened it to Kim. Its funny because all my friends from high school and my dad still call me Kimberly.

Kardashian, whose full name is Kimberly Noel Kardashian, has built a brand around her shortened moniker. On the same day, she launched her first MasterClass titled The New Rules of Business, which features ten Kimmandments, including lessons such as Know your worth and add tax, Empires are built before dawn, and Dont follow the feed, be the feed.

Her business venturesincluding Skims (initially named Kimono), SKKN by Kim, and KKW Beautyalso play on her first name. Kardashian has extended this creativity to naming her children with ex-husband Kanye West: North, 12; Saint, 9; Chicago, 7; and Psalm, 6.

When it came to naming Psalm, Kardashian revealed she collaborated with her sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner for inspiration. Kylie and I were vibing on the same name, she told LIVE with Kelly and Ryan in September 2019. Kendall and I were in this big hallway, yelling out every name like, Psalm! Come here!

Author's Commentary: The Power of a Name in Branding

Kim Kardashian's decision to shorten her name from Kimberly to Kim reflects a strategic understanding of personal branding and audience perception. While "Kimberly" remained her identity among family and friends, "Kim" became a succinct, memorable label that resonated with a global audience through the reality series Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

This naming choice illustrates how small adjustments in public presentation can have significant impact. By adopting a concise version of her name, Kardashian made it easier for viewers and media to connect with her, laying the foundation for her broader business empire. Her ventures, including Skims, SKKN by Kim, and KKW Beauty, continue to leverage her first name, demonstrating consistency in branding across industries.

Moreover, Kardashian’s approach to naming extends beyond herself to her children, where creativity and collaboration influence decision-making. The careful selection of distinctive names like North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm shows an ongoing attention to identity and narrative, reinforcing her brand ethos both personally and professionally.

Ultimately, the story behind Kim Kardashian’s name highlights the intersection of identity, marketability, and strategic branding in contemporary celebrity culture.

Sources:

• Kim Kardashian Reveals the Reason She Changed Her Name Before She Became Famous