What’s in a Name: Legacy or Identity?

9/6/2025

Russell Wilson Officially Gives Future and Ciara s Son His Last Name Russell Wilson, Future Zahir Wilburn and Ciara. XNY/Star Max/GC Images

Future and Ciara’s Son Future Zahir Officially Has Russell Wilson’s Last Name

When a child takes on the last name of a step-parent, it’s more than paperwork, it’s a statement about family, belonging, and identity. Some see it as a powerful act of love and stability, while others wonder what it means for ties to the biological parent.

Famed singer, Ciara, and starting NFL quarterback for the New York Giants, Russell Wilson, are parents to three children they had together: Sienna, Win and Amora. Ciara also has a son, Future Zahir, with superstar rapper, Future.

According to several news outlets, Ciara has legally added Wilson's last name to her son, Zahir's name. For Future Zahir, having Russell Wilson’s last name may symbolize the bond they’ve built, but it also raises questions: How do names shape who we are? Do they carry loyalty, or just legal formality?

Let's Write! So, should children take on the last names of step-parents—or is that a choice too big to make?

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Alfaro Keisy 1A

9/8/2025 09:11:27 am

It’s a profound and highly personal decision, not a universal “should,” as a child’s name is deeply tied to their identity and heritage. The choice must prioritize the child’s well-being, age, and wishes, considering all family dynamics and potential long-term impacts.

Kinds, C 2A

9/8/2025 10:58:49 am

I agree with this person because the decision is a personal choice and a last name is giving representation that the kid is owning their family last name but it should still become a choice because the kid doesn't have to do anything.

Cervantes Y 2A

9/8/2025 12:20:17 pm

I agree it is a personal decision

Tylisa Newbill

9/10/2025 08:53:38 am

I stand with this statement. I think it should be multiple talks about this . But I do believe no child should make this decision until they fully understand what changing their last name means. It's more than just a name ,its who you are. So I believe this choice should be made when a child is in high school because they actually have input about it that isn't coming from just what the parent is saying.

Garcia.K 1A

9/12/2025 08:35:33 am

I agree with your statement because I do believe that its important that the child has an opinion but first have a thorough understanding before they do change their last name as it is a very big part of your life.

Gathu S

9/10/2025 06:24:56 pm

I agree with what you said about prioritizing the child’s well being. I think this is especially true as children get older, since they might want more say in how they’re identified.

Gathu Shammah 1A

9/8/2025 10:07:14 am

I think a child taking on the last name of a step parent is a very personal decision, and it can mean different things depending on the situation inthe case of future Zaire, taking Russell Wilson last name shows the strong relationship he has built with his step dad, and represents stability. at the same time I understand why people might be mad, because last name connects kids to their biological parents and their family

Beal R 2A

9/8/2025 10:40:42 am

I feel some people can be mad because changing the last name is kind of disrespectful. If the child wanted his last name changed then it doesn't really matter.

Cervantes Y 2A

9/8/2025 12:18:14 pm

I think it is disrespectful changing their original last name to their stepfathers

Tejada D

9/10/2025 09:17:13 am

I see how it would be disrespectful to change a childs last name from their bio father to step-father but you should also consider that the bio dad might be a dead beat and has no relationship with the child.

Gracie Ramos

9/8/2025 08:56:22 pm

I agree with the fact that it's a very personal decision and there are multiple reasons why a child would want to change their last name to their step-parents and why they wouldn't want to change their last name.

Carpenter Z 2a

9/10/2025 07:09:53 am

I agree with what you said i feel the same way and i could also see why it is a personal decision and it could really affect a lot. also i agree that you said that there were multiple reasons why a child would want to change their last name and not to.

Vasquez Leonardo

9/8/2025 10:23:26 am

I think children taking on a step-parent’s last name depends on the family and what feels right for the child. A new last name can show love, unity, and belonging, but it can also affect the bond with their biological parent. In the end, the child’s feelings and identity should matter most in making that choice.

Joaquin J 2A

9/8/2025 10:23:34 am

I think the step child should be able to choose whether or not to take the last name because it is more of a personal action to take on like and should not be forced by any parent. If the child is willing to take the last name that just shows the strong relationship and trust they have with one another.

Chambers U 2A

9/8/2025 10:29:38 am

I agree it shoukd be the childs choice because thats a big step, a name they are going to give their future spouse.

vine jaylon 2a

9/8/2025 11:17:19 am

I agree it should be the childs choice kids dont have nothing what they mom or dad got

Kinds, C 2A

9/8/2025 10:56:46 am

I agree with this person because it should be a choice the kid should have to do something they do not want to do

Tejada

9/10/2025 09:38:18 am

I also think that the child should a say in whether they should keep or change their last name.Parent should not force their kids to change their last name.It is a personal action that needs careful consideration.

Nevaeh runnels 5b

9/12/2025 02:43:57 pm

i agree the child should have a choice depending on their relationship.

Chambers U 2A

9/8/2025 10:28:58 am

Changing your childs name to their step dad's is kind of extreme to me. Now i could see if the dad was a deadbeat and the step dad stepped up i would definetly understand.

Kaedyn Rollins

9/11/2025 09:39:22 am

I disagree, a child should not take the last name of a man that is not your father no matter the situation. If the father isn't in they life the child should take the last name of the mother.

Rubio I 1A

9/12/2025 02:19:43 pm

I'm not sure if I completely agree with this statement although I do see where you are coming from if the step-parent has been more of a parent figure to the child not saying that the real parent has to be a deadbeat but if the bond between the step-parent and child is great then it should ultimately primarily be up to the child because its the child's last name being changed not anyone elses but the child.

Beal R 2A

9/8/2025 10:34:18 am

The choice must prioritize the child’s well-being, age, and wishes, considering all family dynamics and potential long-term impacts.

I agree

9/9/2025 08:51:20 am

I agree with you, I feel like it all depends on the kid rather than the parent. taking someones last name isn't mandatory its a choice.

Kinds, C 2A

9/8/2025 10:55:43 am

I believe in my opinion the child shouldn't have to be forced to take on the step dad last name since that is not his bilogical dad to begin with but they he wants to he should do it because to be fair the last name could give some input on how close of the relationship he has built with his step dad.

vine jaylon 2a

9/8/2025 11:18:06 am

the child shouldn't have to be forced to pick an side

Amanda Lama Rosales B5

9/9/2025 08:50:00 am

I agree I don't think a child should be forced to do that , I think it should be the kids decision.

Gracie Ramos

9/8/2025 08:50:54 pm

I agree with the statement that the child shouldn't have to be forced to take on the step-parent's last name if that is not what they want. It should be their choice to decide if that's something that they would want.

Alfaro Keisy 1A

9/9/2025 08:54:02 pm

I completely agree with you. I also believe that a person should not be forced to have their stepfather's last name, and that if the person wants to, it is because of their connection with the stepfather and their decision.

Carpenter Z 2A

9/8/2025 11:05:17 am

in my opinion if the child really loves their step parent and is proud of being called by their step parents last name then i say they should go for it but if your worried about doing all the paper work then its better off you dont name the child after the step parent because the real love is not there

Kaedyn Rollins

9/11/2025 09:42:02 am

I agree and disagree. I think the mother should make that decision and the child takes the last name of the mother . Because what if the step father is no longer in there life and your stuck with that last name.

Cervantes Y 2A

9/8/2025 12:22:13 pm

I think that to take your step fathers last name there has to be a reason maybe the biological dad isn't a responsible dad and the step father treats him like his real son

Mariah Torrence 6b

9/9/2025 11:28:42 am

I agree because what father would want their son to have another mans last name if he isn't dead

Gracie Ramos

9/8/2025 08:48:09 pm

I think the choice of taking a step-parent's last name can be hard decision to make, but it can also signify a strong bond and connection the child has with their step-parent. The decision ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of the family and what the child wants.

Collier A 6B

9/9/2025 10:28:12 am

i agree because it all depends the circumstances but yes i agree with it because some step dads raise kid from a small age

Thorpe, Zamyriah

9/9/2025 01:39:36 pm

I agree, because a child's last name is a huge decision and sticks with them forever. which yes if they do have a strong bond with that step parent then yes of course do a name change, but if not just let it be.

Alfaro Keisy 1A

9/9/2025 08:56:43 pm

I agree with you, I think it also depends a lot on the specific circumstances of the family and the child's wishes.

Rubio I 1A

9/12/2025 02:17:00 pm

Yes I agree with this the circumstances ultimately make a situation and if the step-parent and the child have a strong bond then I see no problem if the child is okay with it.

Calito V. 5B

9/12/2025 03:33:48 pm

I agree because it is a hard decision for the child as it depends on the type of relationship they have.

Mia Chavez 1A

9/9/2025 08:41:21 am

Well it is a big and very personal decision because it depends on the child age, feeling, family dynamics, and the role the step-parent plays in their life. But it really involves child input.

Mariah Torrence 6b

9/9/2025 11:25:18 am

I agree it is an personal decision because you could make this child either feel more connected with the step dad and can also make him or her feel less connected with the biological dad all depending on how he or she feels

Wideman C 1A

9/10/2025 08:59:17 am

I agree with this because in my opinion I feel like it does play a part on the role the step parent plays in the child life but I do feel like the child should have some type of input.

Fraire.Y 1A

9/12/2025 11:05:16 am

I agree it also has to do with the childres age and if they understand what it means to change there last name to something that the biological father has.

Amanda Lama Rosales B5

9/9/2025 08:47:46 am

I think taking a step parents last name is more than just a legal decision. I think it's the kids decision to choose to take a big step like that, I feel like its a very sentimental and meaningful decision that a kid could make.

Land. D 5B

9/9/2025 09:10:15 am

I agree. A last name is a big part of a person's identity and if a child wants to keep their biological parents'last name they should be able to.

Skylar B. 6B

9/12/2025 12:29:18 pm

That makes sens, it should be the child's decision because that could be a huge change in her identity.

Land D. 5B

9/9/2025 09:06:58 am

I think that taking a step parent's last name is completely optional. If you want to keep your biological parents last name then that is your right. You could be really close to your step parent and still not want their last name and that is okay.

Jimenez A 1A

9/10/2025 09:03:22 am

You are totally correct. It's often up to the parents but in this case I feel like the child should have the say so on whether he wants to add his step-parents last name to his name.

Fraire.Y 1A

9/12/2025 11:03:50 am

I agree with your statement that it is completely optional for them to take it because some kids do have a father that is still in there life and sometimes they will think its disrespectful to do that.

Calito V. 5B

9/12/2025 03:17:13 pm

I agree because some children that have step parents are really close with them and choose to not have their step parent's last name.

Cristian Silva

9/9/2025 09:18:30 am

I think taking a step parents last name is completely optional for the child, The relationship that they have with them can affect whether or not they would like to take they last name.

Collier a 6B

9/9/2025 10:26:12 am

I agree with it being up to the kid whoever you feel was more of your "dad".

Nevaeh, B 1A

9/10/2025 08:57:33 am

Yes I agree, it matters if the kid wants the last name and how close they are. I also think it's up to the child and not the parents.

Luna W. 1A

9/10/2025 09:32:15 am

I strongly agree with this, this whole decision is up to what the child wants and feels like.

Ernesto Hernandez

9/9/2025 09:28:53 am

No, children should not take their step-parent's last name it is a personal and often legal decision, but it is not too big to make.

Collier A 6B

9/9/2025 10:23:49 am

I think that it should be okay that kids get there step parents name , but only if the father didnt sign the birth certificate . cause IF i was dad i DON'T want any man getting to use there last name for my kids . especially if im present .

Okafor K 6B

9/9/2025 10:42:58 am

I think he kid shouldn't get their last name because realistically, that's not the dad of the kid and he won't like that decision.

Irons D 6B

9/9/2025 10:50:57 am

I agree with this comment because its not their dad and I believe the kid wouldn't like it unless they ask for the step dads last name.

sieyuanna r-c 6b

9/9/2025 11:24:25 am

I agree, the child name shouldn't just be changed if they have their father last name.

taneilyha 3A

9/9/2025 12:18:44 pm

I agree with you because like said it's not they dad and it may make the child feel uncomfortable

taneilyha 3A

9/9/2025 12:19:07 pm

I agree with you because like said it's not they dad and it may make the child feel uncomfortable or make them feel some type of way

Thorpe, Zamyriah 7B

9/9/2025 01:38:04 pm

I agree with this because if that person isn't biologically related to that child or barely know the child then that's not their decision or choice to make.

Irons D 68

9/9/2025 10:48:24 am

no the kid should get their step dads last name because that's not their father I believe only the dads last name should be giving to them

sieyuanna r-c 6b

9/9/2025 11:23:37 am

I disagree I think the child should unless their father signed the birth certificate.

taneilyha jones

9/9/2025 12:17:45 pm

I agree with you because people wouldn't want to be name out of people thaat's not really they parents anyway

Sieyuanna Roberts-Collins 6B

9/9/2025 11:22:48 am

My answer is no, I think if the child already has their biological father name then they should keep their last name but if the child biological father doesn't sign the child birth certificate then yes they should take their step-fathers last name.

Carpenter Z 2a

9/10/2025 07:16:07 am

I totally agree with this the child already has his real dad even tho the parents are not together to me it really depends on what the child wants to go by it should not be the parents choice because its going to carried on him for the rest if his life.

Tylisa Newbill 1A

9/10/2025 08:43:04 am

I agree 100%, there is no need to change the name unless the child wants to. A lot of time parents put ideas in their child's head because its something that they want, but if the child comes up with the idea then they should pursue it. If the bio father is in the childs life even a little bit you should not change it . In my opinion.

Luna W. 1A

9/10/2025 09:23:35 am

I see where youre coming from but sometimes the child doesnt want anything to do with their biological parents. It might've been something they did like abandoning them, abuse, etc... which causes them to want to change it.

Mariah torrence

9/9/2025 11:44:58 am

I feel like it is a very personal decision that should involve an conversation with the child too

Watson, S A1

9/10/2025 09:18:35 am

I also think the child in the situation should be able to speak for themselves. In the long run, it could cause tension between the father and step father, as well as the child.

Taneilyha Jones-Blunt

9/9/2025 12:16:49 pm

I think that is a big decision because most people don't like they step parents and personally I wouldn't want to be named out of anyone my mother or father is dating.

Thorpe, Zamyriah 7B

9/9/2025 01:36:35 pm

In my opinion I believe giving a child their step parent's last name is disrepectful in a sense because why would I give my child a last from a person that isn't biological to them. However it does goes both ways because what if they also see that person as a father or mother figure.

Banda, N 1A

9/10/2025 08:55:53 am

I agree forcing a new last name on a child who might not have a connection to that person is wrong. It's a big choice they should make, it also should be considered how close they are to the step parent like you said.

Tylisa Newbill 1A

9/10/2025 08:38:41 am

I have mixed emotions about this question. I think that taking someones last name is always a big deal , and if a child is taking a step dads last name you can only assume thing aren't right with the bio parent. I think the child should say whether or not they want their last name changed. It should totally be up to them .

Jimenez A 1A

9/10/2025 08:57:42 am

I read your response and I cant help but to be on the same boat as you. Often times the only reason or case that the child might take the step-parents last name is if there biological father is not in there life or if they don't have a good relationship. The child should always decide for themselves whether or not they would like to take the step-parents last name.

Banda, N 1A

9/10/2025 08:53:49 am

I think that a child should be able to make that decision for themselves. From the outside looking in it seems reasonable but in reality we have no idea how they feel. They could still be attached to their original last name and that valid. Nobody should be forced to change their last name to a step parents last name regardless of how old they are.

Jimenez A 1A

9/10/2025 08:55:00 am

I have mixed emotions about taking the step-parents last name because in some cases it could be a good thing as a sign of how close the relationship is between the step-parent and the child. However in this case I feel as though they will receive a lot of backlash on adding the step-parents last name. It shows a sign of how close there relationship could be but I feel as tho it also shows a sign of disrespect to the childs biological father.

Watson, S 1A

9/10/2025 09:16:03 am

I agree with you. I believe it could be looked at as disrespect to the father and some people witnessing the name change could think it is for other reasons.

Gathu S 1A

9/10/2025 06:33:51 pm

I see your point about the stepparent's last name being both a positive sign of closeness and a possible source of conflict. I hadn’t thought about how it might be viewed as disrespectful to the biological father, even if the child has a strong bond with the stepparent.

Tejada D

9/10/2025 09:13:30 am

I think changing ones last name is up to the person/child and not a parent or guardian.If the child has a good relationship with their bio dad then they would probably want to keep his last name.If the child does not have a good relation ship with their bio dad then they would most likely want to change their last name to either their moms or step-fathers.

Lainez H, 3A

9/10/2025 01:33:16 pm

I agree with you. If the child has a good relationship with the parent and wants to keep the last name then that decision should be respected. If they don't have a good relationship it is still the child's choice to keep the last name or change it to the step-parents last name.

Watson, S 1A

9/10/2025 09:14:12 am

I'm mostly against taking the step parents' last name because it could look odd to the father. However, if the step parent has raised the child then it would make sense. I also believe the child should have a say in the matter, if not they could end up feeling ashamed when they're around their blood father.

Skylar B. 6B

9/12/2025 12:20:22 pm

I see your point about not taking the step-parent last name because yes it would look odd to the father especially if the father is in the child's life.

Luna W. 1A

9/10/2025 09:20:27 am

Taking the last name of a step-parent is a very big decision and should be supported by the child and the parent. Its not wrong to change to change it but others can find it direspectful. But it shouldnt matter if the child wants to carry on their legacy.

Rubio I,1A

9/10/2025 09:50:01 am

I think that the choice for a child to get the last name of a step parent is completely on if the child is old enough to understand what it means to get they're step parents last name and what it means to them. But if they aren't old enough to understand i don't think that choice should be made.

Lainez H, 3A

9/10/2025 01:29:48 pm

I disagree, I believe a child should be able to fulfill the wish of picking whether you want to keep the last name or change it to the step-parents last name at any age. However, I believe that the child should be sat down and spoken too before going forward with the decision so that they won't regret making a decision too early.

Lainez, H 3A

9/10/2025 01:23:29 pm

I have mixed feelings, a last name is a connection to family, belonging, and identity. It symbolizes the bond and love that was built. However, it can also be a burden for the child if they do not have a good relationship or a relationship at all with the parent. I believe a child should be able to take a step-parents last name if that is what they want to do. Especially if they have a great bond and love for the parent.

Warren D 3A

9/10/2025 01:23:33 pm

I say that children should not take off they step parents last name if they are focused to. But if they choose to take it then they should and other then that I say it is a big choice to make because you don't know if that person will stay in your parent or your life.

Ta'Myra

9/10/2025 03:45:57 pm

I agree with this person because the decision is a personal choice

Kaedyn Rollins

9/11/2025 09:36:05 am

It can be both, Identity because that what people know you by when they see you, and it could be legacy because you could've did something important or famous worthy and that's what people know you by

Garcia K 1A

9/12/2025 08:43:43 am

I do think that its okay for children to take the last name of step parents if they are important to them and the children are okay with it, but its very important that the children have a thorough understanding on what it means to change your last name since it is a big part of your life.

Kordae W

9/12/2025 01:40:06 pm

I don't believe that it really dad choice if his still there life

Skylar B. 6B

9/12/2025 09:39:09 am

Whether the child is close or not close to the step-parent I feel like that kind of decision should be well thought out and made together as a family.

Kordae W

9/12/2025 01:38:48 pm

I agree with this

Fraire.Y 1A

9/12/2025 09:57:06 am

I think , Children with step parents that take there last names is more loyalty for them and the respect that they have for the people that took care of them when they didn't have to they took the responsibilities of growing with them

sieyuanna r-c 6b

10/8/2025 10:00:02 pm

i agree if the kid feel like they want to cherish their step parent that way then yes they should be able to change their last name.

Kordae W 2A

9/12/2025 01:37:52 pm

I don't agree with this that it can hurt a dad if he heard that his son got a different last name and it is not his mom's last name It is his step dad in my opinion she shouldn't have let that happen.

Nevaeh runnels 5b

9/12/2025 02:37:38 pm

I think the choice of receiving the step parents last name should be up to the child and is a big choice if the child´s biological parent isn´t present and the family is close and agrees with it.

Calto V. 5B

9/12/2025 02:54:09 pm

Should children take on the last names of step-parents or is that a choice too big to make, I think it is a big choice to make for the child because who they see as their parents. I say this mostly because some kids parents are not in their life and don't see the biological parents as their own. So it makes kids see others as their parents like the uncles, aunties, or grandparents to be the legal parents. And when some have a step parent and they are more in the kid's life some kids will see them as the parents and won't mind taking the step parent's last name. But some kids won't want to have a step parent's last name because they don't see them as the parent.

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