Which U.S. First Lady had the same maiden and married name? Explained
Eleanor Roosevelt holds the distinction of being the sole U.S. First Lady to retain her maiden and married name. Originally named Anna Eleanor Roosevelt in 1884, she was the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt. Upon marrying Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1905, she preserved the Roosevelt surname, continuing to be known by it both before and after marriage. Eleanor and Franklin were distantly related as fifth cousins, sharing ancestry from the esteemed Roosevelt lineage. Her exceptional circumstance of being a Roosevelt both by birth and by marriage significantly enhanced her public prominence and enduring impact on American history.