Belle-A Walker, a standout contestant from Love Island USA Season 7, may have been eliminated from the Fiji villa, but she’s leaving a lasting impression on fans — not just for her time on the show, but also for the powerful story behind her name.
In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE following her exit, the 22-year-old Hawaii native opened up about her unique name, the significance of the dash in it, and the family legacy she carries with pride.
The Family Legacy Behind Belle-A’s Name
Belle-A’s name isn’t just a random choice — it has deep roots in her family history. “It goes back,” she says, explaining how her grandmother, Ann Annie, had a lasting influence.
Her grandmother named Belle-A’s mother Vera-Ann, and when Belle-A was born, her mother chose to carry on the tradition. “My mom wanted to give me a piece of nana as well, so she named me Isabelle-Ann,” Belle-A shares.
Although her full name is Isabelle-Ann, she decided to shorten it and go by Bella as she got older. However, she didn’t want to lose the uniqueness of her family’s naming style. “When I started going by Bella, I wanted it to make sense with my name still. So that’s why I started going by Belle-A,” she explains.
The dash in her name holds a special place in her heart because it reflects her desire to maintain a sense of connection to her family’s history while embracing her own identity. “It’s on my birth certificate,” she assures, showing how deeply she values this meaningful part of her name.
Love Island Journey and Family Support
Despite the whirlwind of Love Island USA, Belle-A’s family has been a constant source of support throughout her journey. Before she left for the villa in Fiji, Belle-A kept the big news to herself until the very last moment.
“I was genuinely terrified of how my parents would receive the news,” she admits. But their response was nothing short of encouraging. “They ended up just embracing me with arms wide open, being more proud than anything and supporting me. So I was terrified for no reason.”
Even after her exit from the villa, Belle-A felt the unwavering love and support of her family. “They wrapped me in love and unconditional support and I feel so blessed by the support system that I do have,” she says, reflecting on how her family has been there for her every step of the way.
Fans’ Curiosity About Her Name
One of the biggest questions fans had during her time on Love Island USA was about the origin of her name. Belle-A’s explanation offers a window into the strong family bonds and traditions that shape her identity.
Her decision to use Belle-A as her public name is a way to honor her family while still claiming her own unique space in the world.
With the dash in her name standing as a symbol of connection, Belle-A’s story is a reminder of the power of family, tradition, and the importance of maintaining a personal connection to one’s roots.
What’s Next for Belle-A?
As new episodes of Love Island USA continue to air daily on Peacock at 9 p.m. ET, Belle-A’s journey may have ended on the show, but her journey in life is just beginning. With the love and support of her family behind her, she’s poised for even greater things ahead.
