Embracing Identity: Tigerlily Taylor’s Journey of Name and Self-Discovery

Tigerlily Taylor, a reality TV star from *90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days*, shares the emotional journey behind her name change from Mariko, influenced by her children's love for the Peter Pan character, Princess Tigerlily. Embracing her cultural roots and independence, Tigerlily's story reflects resilience and a deep bond with her children, as she navigates life with her younger husband, Adnan.
SummaryTigerlily Taylor, a star from 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, recently shared the story behind her name change from Mariko. At 41, she is a handwriting expert living in Frisco, Texas, and is married to Adnan Abdelfattah, a 22-year-old model from Amman. She met Adnan on Instagram, and despite feeling he might be controlling, their connection led her to marry him in Jordan. Tigerlily, who is half Japanese, with Austrian and Native American heritage, allowed her children to choose her new name, inspired by the character Princess Tigerlily from the Peter Pan movie. The change was partly due to negative associations with her original name, Mariko. Tigerlily has been open about her past, including a previous controlling marriage, and values her cultural heritage and children’s privacy. She engages with her followers through interactive Instagram sessions and has been married to Adnan for a year, defying critics. The show airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on TLC.

The New Identity of Tigerlily Taylor: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Introduction to Tigerlily Taylor

Tigerlily Taylor, a prominent figure from the reality show 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, recently unveiled the story behind her name change. At 41, she resides in Frisco, Texas, and is a certified handwriting expert. In September 2023, she tied the knot with Adnan Abdelfattah, a 22-year-old model from Amman. Their love story began on Instagram, where Tigerlily felt an immediate connection with him, strong enough to marry him upon her arrival in Jordan, despite sensing he might be controlling.

The Origin of Tigerlily’s Name

Tigerlily revealed that her birth name was Mariko, now legally changed to Tigerlily Taylor. During a Q&A session on Instagram, she shared insights about her ethnicity—half Japanese from her mother’s side, with Austrian and Native American roots from her father. The decision to change her name was inspired by her children, who were fond of the Peter Pan movie, particularly the character Princess Tigerlily.

Significance of the Name Change

Tigerlily’s Journey for Acceptance

Embracing her new identity, Tigerlily draws parallels between herself and the Native American princess from the movie. Unlike most cast members of 90 Day Fiancé, who often keep their past under wraps, Tigerlily openly discussed her previous marriage to a wealthy and controlling ex-husband during her introduction. She engages her audience through interactive Instagram sessions following each episode of 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days Season 7.

Tigerlily’s Relatability and Personal Strength

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Despite criticism for marrying someone she knew for only four months, Tigerlily remains relatable to many viewers. She values her children’s privacy, respects her cultural heritage, and has demonstrated independence and resilience. Her marriage to Adnan has lasted a year, defying skeptics. Allowing her kids to select her new name was a heartfelt gesture, symbolizing her embrace of a unique identity that honors her roots.

The Story Behind Mariko

The Dark Past of a Name

Tigerlily’s decision to change her original name, Mariko, was driven by its negative connotations—it resembled a homophobic slur in Spanish and was given by someone who betrayed her, poisoning and stealing from a loved one. This person was not her parent but a close individual who hurt her deeply. Tigerlily believes in the right to choose one’s name, and her children’s involvement in this process highlights the deep bond between them.

Conclusion

90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on TLC.

Sources: Tigerlily Taylor/Instagram, Murrayhillthrill/Reddit

90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days

  • Reality TV
  • Documentary

A deeper look into the lives of couples established in 90 Day Fiancé, 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days is a reality tv/documentary series that follows the potential spouse from a foreign country and their lead-up to their journey to America. The show documents the early days of the relationship across the ocean and the K-1 visa process required for the spouse to live in the new country. Couples battle with culture shock, language barriers, and the opinions of friends and families alike as they prepare themselves to take the ultimate leap.

Release Date
August 6, 2017
Seasons
6
Network
TLC
Franchise(s)
90 Day Fiancé