Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stated that he was asked to change his name for his Hollywood career but refused because he was named after his father.
The “Aquaman” star stated that he refused even altering his name to Yahya Mateen because he felt he would dishonoring his father’s name.
He went on to say that his father prayed for his grandparents every day and took them along his journey with them.
He hoped to do the same and stated that he would only do that if he kept his name the way his father gave it to him.
He said that keeping his full name the same has also inspired others who have considered changing their names to something that will fit into Western society.
He stated that his name is not a common name that you would hear everywhere, it is unique, and that is why it inspires people.
He gets messages all the time from people thanking him for representing Muslims and them explaining that they were thinking of changing their names but now that they see him they will not change their names.
He stated that to have his name amongst famous movie stars, in famous movies, and being invited to talk shows where people say his full name is inspiring for him.
