Isabela Moner Changes Her Name to Honor Late Grandmother

Isabela Moner has decided to change her name to honor her late grandmother.

The 18-year-old Dora and the Lost City of Gold actress and singer has revealed that she has changed her name to Isabela Merced, just as she prepares to release new music.

In a new interview with Refinery29, Isabela opened up about why she decided to make the change.

“This is when I begin writing my own story as Isabela Merced. This has been a very difficult year for my brothers, mom, and me. This is how I say goodbye to that and welcome a new chapter with those who are close to me,” Isabela shared. “Isabela Merced represents everything that has and will continue to define me. It represents the values that were passed on from my grandmother.”

Isabela adds of her grandmother, who she never met: “She was a force of nature, unafraid of anything, always ready to take on every challenge and person that said she couldn’t. At the same time, she loved her familia; nothing came before that. Her ideal day would be a day at the beach with the family, music, dancing, and eating alitas (chicken wings) or ceviche. This is me! I hope this continues on my grandmother’s legacy because she left us too soon.”

“I had been thinking [about this] for some time,” she admits later on about changing her name, “[and] it would have to do something with her. I believe some force, throughout all these years, has been giving my mom the strength and determination to guide me; a force that has been protecting us through so many journeys, trips, and experiences. I feel as though if that guardian angel would be anyone, it would be my grandma.”

Isabela will be releasing her new single “Papi” soon.

READ MORE: 30 Celebrities Whose Real Names Are Totally Different