'I Legally Changed My Name to Wednesday Adams'

Since its release on November 23, Netflix's Wednesday has broken viewing records, becoming the streamer's third most-watched English language show ever.

Everyone's favorite goth teen has taken over the internet in the last two weeks, with fans poring over behind-the-scenes snaps and anxiously awaiting any news of season two.

Although viewers everywhere are feeling the love for Wednesday right now, one woman has legally changed her name to match the iconic character.

Born Charlotte, Wednesday Adams is a mom-of-three based in Stoke-on-Trent in the U.K. She has loved the Addams Family since childhood, but it was going through a divorce that led to the recent decision to change her name.

While switching from her married name of Wainwright back to Adams, the 31-year-old was inspired to reinvent herself.

She told Newsweek: "I thought, 'why not change the whole thing?'.

"I've been through so much in my life. Charlotte cried so many tears, but as Wednesday says 'crying is weakness.' New me, new start, and to come back stronger. That's what I need."

Why Is Wednesday Addams So Popular?

Wednesday racked up 341.23 million viewing hours in its first week alone, but the character's popularity is nothing new.

The eight-episode spin-off series focuses on 16-year-old Wednesday's (played by Jenna Ortega) adventures at Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts and supernatural creatures.

The show may be the first to focus primarily on Wednesday, but the teen has long been a symbol for disenchanted youth.

The character first appeared in a 1938 comic strip by creator Charles Addams. Published in The New Yorker, the one-panel cartoon featured a nameless, creepy family of outcasts that would slowly develop into the Addams Family fans know and love.

Still, it was the 1964 TV show that gave Wednesday her name. The moniker was reputedly inspired by the line "Wednesday's child is full of woe," from the nursery rhyme Monday's Child—with Wednesday herself stating this in the Netflix series.

However, it was Christina Ricci's angst-ridden portrayal that made Wednesday a figurehead for angst-ridden teenagers everywhere. Ricci played the character in the 1991 film and its sequel, The Addams Family Values, released two years later.

Pre-teen Ricci's deadpan delivery and legendary one-liners stood out, even amongst a stellar (and perfectly chosen) cast including Raul Julia, Anjelica Houston and Christopher Lloyd. The actress, now 42 years old, also makes an appearance in Wednesday as "normie" teacher Marilyn Thornhill.

'I Was Going To Be Called Wednesday Before Netflix's Wednesday Was Even A Thing'

Adams loves Wednesday not just for her gothic persona, but because of what she represents.

"She's cool, she's strong, she's very independent, she's completely amazing," she said.

She also compares her mother Julie, and father Neil, to Wednesday's parents Gomez and Morticia. The on-screen couple are known for their devotion to one another, something Adams recognizes in her parents 29-year marriage.

A fan of the franchise, Julie originally wanted to name her daughter Wednesday. However, Adams' grandma Joyce talked her out of it.

"She basically turned around and said 'you can't call a beautiful baby girl Wednesday,'" Adams said. "'She'll get bullied.'"

When she was born on July 2, 1991—a Tuesday—it was Joyce who chose Charlotte, but Adams never felt a strong connection to the name.

"It was alright," she said. "It was just a very typical, everyday name."

Although she enjoyed the new TV series and is aware of its popularity, Adams did not change her name due to the hype. It was something she had always wanted.

"I've always been a bit different and believed in not following the crowd," she said. "So Wednesday is a better fit."

Legally Changing Your Birth Name to Have a 'Fresh Start'

Adams also felt there was a lot of baggage attached to her birth name. Struggling through a difficult childhood and multiple abusive relationships, Adams hopes the name change will help her to leave her past behind and start anew.

"I had a really bad past as a child, particularly from the ages of 7 to 12," Adams said.

"I found my first boyfriend at 14, who physically abused me. He used to hit me and beat me. When I was 19, I met my now ex-husband, who was very mentally controlling."

Earlier this year, Adams discovered that her husband of 10 years had been cheating on her with another woman. Adams decided to raise her children as a single mother, as well as go to university and fulfill her dream of becoming a barrister.

She initially planned to just change her surname back to Adams, but when her divorce was finalized, she opted to change her first name too. The official confirmation came through on December 7, 2022—which also happened to be a Wednesday.

"The deed poll process was really easy, as you can do it all online now," she said. "It cost £45 ($54) in total."

Although she had no issue changing her name legally, amending her name on Facebook has proven to be a challenge.

"They replied saying 'we can't accept this, it needs to be a real name, we need proof,'" Adams said.

"I hope that when I upload my deed poll confirmation that will be enough evidence to change my name over."

Although she's still Charlotte Adams on Facebook, she has put out a post announcing the name change. She was worried that some people would mock her decision, but was pleased to receive nothing but praise and support.

"All of my friends are really happy for me," she said. "Everyone's congratulated me and said 'you do you.'"

Her mother is also understandably excited about the name change, telling Adams "I always wanted a Wednesday."

Adams is in her second year of a law degree at Staffordshire University. She completes her studies at night while her children are asleep, and her mother watches her children some evenings while she attends classes.

To celebrate her name change, Adams is getting a Wednesday tattoo on her right arm. The design is based on Ortega's portrayal and includes a blood-splattered rose.