From Wurtzbach to Jauncey: Why Pia Decided to Take Her Husband’s Surname

In a world where many modern women are choosing to keep their maiden names after marriage, the decision of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach to legally adopt her husband Jeremy Jauncey’s surname has drawn attention—not only from fans but also from cultural observers. Now known as Pia Jauncey, the Filipina-German beauty queen, actress, and advocate has made a deliberate and heartfelt choice that goes beyond tradition and symbolism.

A Modern Love Story

Pia Wurtzbach first rose to international fame in 2015 when she won the Miss Universe crown, capturing hearts with her poise, confidence, and authenticity. Since then, she has transformed from a beauty queen into a multifaceted public figure, known for her advocacy in HIV awareness, women’s rights, and mental health.

Her relationship with Jeremy Jauncey, the British entrepreneur and founder of Beautiful Destinations, began quietly in 2019. The couple kept their romance mostly private until going public in 2020. Their love story has since been one marked by mutual respect, shared values, and a deep sense of partnership.

They tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in 2023. Though initially she kept her professional name, Pia later revealed her decision to officially take Jeremy’s surname—transitioning from Pia Wurtzbach to Pia Jauncey—in 2025.

The Meaning Behind the Change

In an Instagram post and a subsequent interview, Pia explained her decision, saying, “I know the name Wurtzbach has become part of who I am. It’s a name that brought me to where I am now. But taking Jeremy’s surname is my way of embracing this new chapter in my life—not just as a wife, but as a partner in everything we do together.”

She emphasized that the change wasn’t about giving up her identity, but rather about evolving it. “I’m still Pia. But now, I’m Pia Jauncey—by choice, by love, and by commitment.”

Her statement resonated with many women who grapple with the decision of whether or not to take their partner’s surname after marriage. For Pia, it was a personal choice that reflected her values and the type of relationship she and Jeremy have built: equal, supportive, and future-focused.

Cultural Expectations and Personal Identity

Name changes after marriage have long been the subject of debate, especially in the context of women’s rights and gender equality. In the Philippines, where Pia was born and raised, many women still adopt their husband’s surname after marriage. However, in global cities like London or New York, where Pia and Jeremy now split their time, it’s becoming increasingly common for women to keep their birth names.

Pia’s choice, then, sits at an intersection of cultures and values. She is a global citizen—Filipino, German, and now part of a multicultural marriage. Her decision reflects both respect for tradition and a modern approach to identity.

It also speaks volumes about her character: strong, thoughtful, and unafraid to make unconventional decisions for the right reasons.

A Symbol of Partnership

Jeremy Jauncey has always been vocal in his admiration for Pia, calling her his “best friend and greatest inspiration.” He supported her decision to keep her name professionally if she wanted to. “Pia’s name is iconic. It will always be part of her legacy,” he said in an interview. “But I’m honored and touched that she chose to share my name. It’s more than just a name—it’s our future.”

The couple has also hinted at future collaborations, from social impact projects to potential business ventures that merge their passions: travel, wellness, and sustainability.

As Pia embarks on this new journey under a new name, she continues to be a symbol of grace and strength. Her choice to become Pia Jauncey is not about abandoning her past, but about building a future with intention.

What’s in a Name?

At the end of the day, names are powerful. They carry history, identity, and memory. Pia’s decision reminds us that names can also be a declaration of love and commitment. In taking the name Jauncey, she isn’t erasing the Wurtzbach legacy—she’s expanding it.

Pia and Jeremy Jauncey. Pia Jauncey/Instagram 

She was first known as Pia Romero when she joined showbiz at a young age.

As she entered the pageant scene, she went on to use her real name, Pia Wurtzbach, which eventually became synonymous with Miss Universe 2015 as the entire Philippines celebrated her historic feat.

Wurtzbach has since become one of the most most recognizable Filipino personalities, her face appearing on covers of magazines both here and abroad. In 2023, she marked yet another milestone as she married the love of her life, travel entrepreneur Jeremy Jauncey.

Two years later, the beauty queen-actress is reintroducing herself to the world: as Pia Jauncey.

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She even made it Instagram official, changing her handle to reflect her husband’s surname.

“We’re the Jaunceys now,” she said in an interview with Preview, where she appears as the local fashion magazine’s latest cover star. “After a while, I started feeling like ‘Pia Wurtzbach’ didn’t feel right anymore.”

She went on to explain how this move aligns with their plans to start a family. “One day when we have kids, I would want them to see that we share the same last name as their dad. It’s a bit of a traditional move for Jeremy, but it doesn’t really bother me,” she explained.

The former Miss Universe went on to share how her name change is her way of celebrating her new life that feels secure and gentle after two decades of hustling, being a breadwinner, and proving her worth.

“That’s a feeling you can’t buy,” she said.

“Even if my whole house was filled with all the shoes and bags that I dreamed of, or if I had all of the crowns and titles that I dreamed of… I don’t think those would compare to the feeling of not being alone anymore.”