North West Once Revealed She Uses a Fake Name When Out With Friends

North West, the 12-year-old daughter of Kanye “Ye” West and Kim Kardashian, has steadily risen to become a prominent figure in the media. From red carpet events to casual outings, North’s personality and style continue to draw attention, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most talked-about young influencers. And she had a few curious answers to questions that her own mother asked her during an interview. Here’s what North said about using a fake name while going out with friends, including what she has her friends call her.

North West once claimed that she has her friends call her by a fake name

North West is one of the most talked-about celebrity kids in 2025. She continues to make a name for herself with her bold self-expression, which has included finger piercings, bright blue hair, and bold Halloween costumes. North gives fans a glimpse into her world via TikTok, where she shares an account with famous mom Kim Kardashian. The preteen’s TikToks often feature her friends, demonstrating that the young star has already made close connections with other kids her own age.

In October 2024, North sat down with Kardashian for an interview with Interview Magazine. The reality star asked her daughter a variety of questions, including North’s plans for her future.

“I don’t know, because I already do a lot of stuff that I want to be when I grow up,” North answered. “I just want to pursue my careers now.”

Kardashian then asked North what the preteen’s fake name would be if she were to use one. To that, North gave a surprising answer.

“I have one,” North admitted. “But I’m going to change because nobody believes me. It’s Katie Johnson. When I’m out at Sky Zone with my friends, they call me Katie, but when I look in the mirror for a long time, I’m like, ‘I do not look like a Katie.’ And then I was like, ‘Okay, I got to change my name.’ So I’m telling y’all now.”

Is North West fame-averse?

Does North West hope to stay out of the spotlight as she grows up despite having two extremely famous parents? During the same 2024 interview, she noted that she doesn’t like the paparazzi.

“I like taking pictures of myself, but I don’t like when paparazzi do,” she explained. “When I just woke up and there’s so much paparazzi, I’m like, ‘Yo, I’m going to sue you.'” However, she noted that if she’s “ready” and looking good, she welcomes photos.

That said, North doesn’t seem to shy away from the limelight altogether. In 2025, she appeared in SKIMS’ holiday ad campaign that featured a collaboration with Cactus Plant Flea Market. The preteen was also featured on FKA twigs‘ song “Childlike Things” from the album Eusexua. And she lent her vocals to Kanye “Ye” West and King Combs’ EP, Never Stop. With this in mind, we anticipate that the young creator will continue to find her path in the music and art world.

Kim Kardashian stated the names that Kanye ‘Ye’ West wanted to give their eldest daughter

North West might use the name “Katie Johnson” when out with friends to remain incognito. And Kim Kardashian spilled on what North might’ve been named if she and Kanye “Ye” West chose a different option.

“When North was born, Kanye wanted to name her Noriega,” Kardashian said, noting that eventually they landed on North from Noriega. “Or, he wanted to name her his mom’s name, Donda. And we considered that. But I’m a big believer in your own name, and so you’re not having to live up to a standard of what someone thought they wanted you to be like. … So, I really wanted her to have her own name.”

Kardashian also reiterated that she has the “best kids.” “I’m so happy that they’re mine,” she said.