The Secret Name Anne Hathaway Wants You To Call Her: 5 Surprising Facts About 'Annie'

For years, fans and the media have known her as Anne Hathaway, the Academy Award-winning actress whose name is synonymous with iconic roles from The Princess Diaries to Les Misérables. However, the star herself has made it clear that the name we all use is not the one she prefers, a revelation that continues to surprise and intrigue the public. As of December 2025, while there has been no official legal name change, the actress has consistently requested that those close to her—and even the public—use a much more casual, intimate version of her first name.

The truth is, the name 'Anne' carries a certain formality that the star doesn't connect with, a feeling rooted in a childhood experience that has shaped her professional moniker. She has openly shared her wish to be called "Annie," a preference that dates back to the very beginning of her career and is the name her friends and family have always used. This deep dive explores the fascinating story behind her preferred name, her full biography, and why the world has been calling her by the "wrong" name for decades.

Anne Hathaway: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Anne Jacqueline Hathaway is an American actress known for her incredible versatility, transitioning seamlessly between family-friendly comedies and intense dramatic roles. Her career is decorated with some of the highest accolades in the industry, making her one of Hollywood’s most respected talents.

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• Full Name: Anne Jacqueline Hathaway
• Date of Birth: November 12, 1982
• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Spouse: Adam Shulman (m. 2012)
• Children: Two sons
• Education: Vassar College, New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study (briefly attended)
• Major Accolades:
  • Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress for Les Misérables)
  • Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actress for Les Misérables)
  • BAFTA Award (Best Supporting Actress for Les Misérables)
  • Screen Actors Guild Award
• Career Debut: Made her professional acting debut on the television series Get Real (1999–2000).
• Breakthrough Role: Mia Thermopolis in Disney’s The Princess Diaries (2001).
• Notable Films: The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Becoming Jane (2007), Rachel Getting Married (2008), Alice in Wonderland (2010), The Dark Knight Rises (2012) as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Interstellar (2014), and Ocean's 8 (2018).
• Recent Projects (2024/2025): Recent and upcoming roles include films like The Idea of You (2024) and the highly anticipated thriller Mother Mary.

Hathaway's journey from a teenage princess to a serious dramatic actress showcases her immense range and dedication to the craft, cementing her status as a global cinema icon. Her continued presence in high-profile projects keeps her in the public eye, which is why her preference for a different name remains a hot topic.

The Surprising Reason Anne Hathaway Hates Being Called 'Anne'

The core of the "Anne Hathaway new name" story is not a recent legal change but a long-held personal preference revealed to the public during a 2021 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The actress admitted that she regrets using her full name professionally and has asked people to call her by the nickname "Annie."

1. The 'Mom-Is-Mad' Association

The primary reason for her dislike of "Anne" is deeply personal: it’s the name her mother uses when she is in trouble. She explained that the only person who ever truly calls her "Anne" is her mother, and only when she is about to scold her. Because of this, every time she hears the name, she instinctively expects to be yelled at. This psychological association has made her uncomfortable with the name throughout her life.

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2. The SAG Card Mistake at Age 14

The decision to use "Anne Hathaway" professionally was made when she was just 14 years old. To get her Screen Actors Guild (SAG) card, she was asked what name she wanted to use. At the time, she felt her full name, Anne, seemed like the most professional and appropriate choice for a budding actress. She now views this decision as a mistake, wishing she had gone with the name everyone else in her life used: Annie.

This early, rushed decision created a professional identity that conflicted with her personal one, leading to years of feeling disconnected from her public moniker. She has pleaded with fans and the media to "Call me Annie, everybody, everybody, call me Annie, please."

Why 'Annie' Is More Than Just a Nickname

The preference for "Annie" is not merely a celebrity whim; it’s a desire for authenticity and comfort. In the world of her friends, family, and colleagues, she is simply "Annie." This diminutive form of her name is a term of endearment and familiarity that she cherishes. By asking the public to use it, she is bridging the gap between her private and professional lives, seeking a more genuine connection.

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3. The Other Accepted Nicknames: 'Hath' and 'Anything But Anne'

While "Annie" is her clear favorite, Hathaway has also expressed openness to other nicknames. She once joked that she prefers "Hath" or literally "anything but Anne." This highlights the depth of her discomfort with her formal name. The nickname "Hath" is a common, friendly shortening of her surname, often used by fellow actors and crew members on film sets.

This willingness to embrace various nicknames shows a desire to be approached in a relaxed, non-formal manner. It’s a subtle but powerful way for the actress to manage her public persona and maintain a sense of normalcy in the highly scrutinized world of Hollywood.

4. The Name's Historical Weight

It's also worth noting the historical significance of the name "Anne Hathaway." She shares the name with the wife of the legendary playwright William Shakespeare. This historical connection, while often a fun trivia fact, can also contribute to the formality and weight associated with her professional name. By preferring "Annie," she steps away from the historical echo and establishes an identity that is purely her own, distinct from the literary figure.

The Impact of the 'Annie' Revelation on Her Topical Authority

The revelation about her preferred name has actually enhanced Anne Hathaway's topical authority and relevance, particularly in discussions about personal branding, celebrity identity, and the power of a name. It’s a story that continues to generate interest and LSI keywords like "Anne Hathaway preferred name" and "call me Annie."

5. A Trend in Celebrity Identity

Hathaway's preference taps into a broader cultural conversation about how we choose to present ourselves. In an era where authenticity is highly valued, her candidness about her name preference resonates with audiences. It humanizes the star, turning a distant "Anne Hathaway" into the relatable "Annie." This move is similar to other celebrities who use nicknames or stage names to define their identity, but in Hathaway's case, it's a request to use the name she was always called by her loved ones.

The story of "Annie" is a reminder that behind the glamorous roles and red-carpet appearances, celebrities are individuals with personal preferences and childhood memories that shape their lives. While her official name remains Anne Hathaway, the message is clear: when you see her on the street or in an interview, you can call her Annie. It’s a small detail that offers a huge insight into the personality of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

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