JD Vance’s name has been subject to alteration throughout his life, starting with his birth name James Donald Bowman, which was changed to James David Hamel after his mother remarried. However, after his mother and adoptive father divorced, Vance decided to change his name once again, this time to Vance, in honor of his grandmother who raised him. This decision also served to tie him to his family’s history, as he claimed to be related to “hillbilly royalty” on his grandfather’s side.
Vance initially used the name J.D. as a shortened version of James David, but later dropped the periods and adopted the name JD. This change coincided with his entry into politics in July 2021. While his legal name remains James David Vance, he has continued to use JD Vance as his preferred name in his Senate website, press releases, and various campaign and business filings. The AP has honored his preference to be called JD with no periods in their coverage.
Throughout his life, Vance has gone through various name changes, from his birth name to James David Hamel, and finally to James David Vance, commonly known as JD Vance. These alterations reflect the different phases and challenges of his life, with each iteration representing a new beginning or fresh start for him.
The decision to change his name to Vance was deeply personal for JD, as he wanted to pay homage to the woman who raised him and served as his “north star” during his tumultuous childhood. It signified a turning point for him as he put the struggles of his past behind him and embarked on a new chapter in his life, which included a career as a lawyer, author, and now a U.S. senator.
The evolution of Vance’s name has been a topic of curiosity and speculation as he rises to national prominence as the Republican vice presidential nominee. His life story, chronicled in his bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” provides insight into the complexities of his upbringing, including the impact of multiple father figures and the role of his grandmother in shaping his identity.
As Vance navigates the world of politics and public service, his name remains a constant reminder of his roots and the journey that has led him to where he is today. Whether known as James David Vance or JD Vance, his name represents a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and the enduring influence of family ties in shaping his identity and legacy.
