Joel Madden Explains Why Daughter Harlow Goes by Middle Name Kate

The Good Charlotte singer says his 18-year-old daughter has gone by her middle name since first grade.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Joel Madden, the lead singer of the band Good Charlotte, has explained why his and Nicole Richie's 18-year-old daughter Harlow Kate goes by her middle name Kate. Madden said Harlow has been using her middle name since first grade, and it was her own choice. He noted that it's "smart" since it helps people who don't know her well identify her more easily.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into the personal lives of celebrities Joel Madden and Nicole Richie, and how they have supported their daughter's decision to go by her middle name. It also highlights how children of famous parents can sometimes have unique experiences that draw public attention.

The details

Madden said that during an open house at Harlow's school, her teacher referred to her as Kate, which is when they found out she had been going by her middle name. Madden said Harlow chose to go by Kate and that everyone who knows her calls her that. He thought it was a "cool" decision and said there was no big discussion about it.

  • Harlow Kate Richie Madden was born in January 2008.
  • Harlow started going by her middle name Kate in first grade.
  • Harlow turned 18 years old in January 2026.

The players

Joel Madden

The 47-year-old lead singer of the band Good Charlotte and the father of Harlow Kate and Sparrow James.

Nicole Richie

The 44-year-old fashion designer, television personality, and the mother of Harlow Kate and Sparrow James.

Harlow Kate Richie Madden

The 18-year-old daughter of Joel Madden and Nicole Richie who has gone by her middle name Kate since first grade.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That's a narrative everybody ran away with because it gets clicks. She's been going by her middle name since she was in, like, first grade. She chose it.”

— Joel Madden, Singer (Dumb Blonde* podcast)

“She doesn't care, but it was funny because it's a big deal. She's such a nice girl, she's really smart, she's a lot like her mom.”

— Joel Madden, Singer (Dumb Blonde* podcast)

What’s next

Harlow Kate Richie Madden is expected to continue pursuing her interests in fashion and design as she embarks on her adult life.

The takeaway

This story highlights how children of celebrities can sometimes have unique experiences, like choosing to go by a different name, that draw public attention, but how supportive parents like Joel Madden and Nicole Richie can help their kids navigate that attention.