Isabela Merced, the talented actress who has audiences from her Nickelodeon days to her recent breakout role in HBO’s “The Last of Us,” has always been relatively open about her personal life and relationships. Born Isabela Yolanda Moner on July 10, 2001, the 23-year-old Cleveland native has evolved from a teen star into a mature actress taking on complex dramatic roles. As she continues to gain prominence in Hollywood with upcoming projects like “Superman,” where she’ll play Hawkgirl, fans are increasingly curious about her romantic life and dating history.
The actress, who changed her stage name from Isabela Moner to Isabela Merced in 2019 to honor her late grandmother, has experienced significant personal growth alongside her professional success. Her journey of self-discovery has been particularly evident in recent interviews where she’s discussed her identity and relationships with remarkable candor. From her early days dating fellow Nickelodeon stars to her recent confirmation of her queer identity, Merced’s love life reflects the authentic and evolving person she’s become.
Currently, Merced appears to be focusing on her flourishing career while her personal life is with the same thoughtfulness she brings to her acting roles. Her openness about her sexuality and past relationships has resonated with fans who appreciate her authenticity in an industry often characterized by carefully managed public personas.
Current Relationship Status
Is Isabela Merced Single in 2025?
As of 2025, Isabela Merced appears to be single and not publicly dating anyone. The actress has maintained a relatively private approach to her current romantic life, with no confirmed relationships or public appearances with romantic partners in recent months. According to multiple sources, Merced is either single or keeping any potential relationship extremely private.
Her social media presence and recent interviews suggest she’s primarily focused on her career, particularly with her starring role in “The Last of Us” season two and her upcoming appearance in the DC Universe’s “Superman” film. The lack of paparazzi photos or social media posts featuring romantic partners further supports the indication that she’s currently unattached.
Dating History and Past Relationships
Jace Norman (2016)
Isabela Merced’s most publicized relationship was with fellow Nickelodeon star Jace Norman, known for his role in “Henry Danger”. The young couple dated from April to November 2016, during the height of both their Nickelodeon careers. Norman was notably open about their relationship at the time, telling Teen.com that he wanted to share his life authentically with fans rather than hide his relationship.
“I know some people are more private on Instagram, but it’s my life and I want to share it and be real,” Norman explained about their relationship. The couple’s romance was well-documented on social media, though it ultimately ended after about six months. Given their young ages at the time, the relationship was likely not particularly serious, serving more as a learning experience for both young stars.
Dylan Summerall (2017)
Following her relationship with Norman, Merced was briefly linked to Dylan Summerall in 2017. While this connection was less publicized than her previous relationship, it generated buzz among fans when photos of the pair surfaced on social media. However, this relationship appears to have been short-lived and less serious than her previous romance.
Kiana (2021-2023)
One of Merced’s more significant relationships was with a graphic designer named Kiana, which lasted from approximately June 2021 to January 2023. This relationship marked an important period in Merced’s personal development, as it coincided with her growing comfort in discussing her queer identity publicly. Photos of the couple went viral on social media platforms, showing them in affectionate moments that suggested a serious relationship.
The relationship with Kiana appears to have ended quietly, with Merced choosing not to discuss the breakup publicly. This discretion reflects her mature approach to handling personal matters while maintaining her public career.
LGBTQ+ Identity and Coming Out
Embracing Her Queer Identity
In 2025, Isabela Merced publicly confirmed her queer identity while discussing her role in “The Last of Us”. Speaking to Variety about filming intimate scenes with co-star Bella Ramsey, Merced revealed that both actresses brought personal experience to their roles. “We both have experience in queer relationships — you can just tell when a girl hasn’t kissed a girl before. You can just feel it,” she explained.
Merced has described herself as having “been queer my whole life” and has “been in queer relationships”. Her openness about her sexuality has been particularly meaningful given her role as Dina in “The Last of Us,” where she portrays Ellie’s love interest in a prominent sapphic storyline.
Impact on Her Career and Representation
The actress has spoken about how her queer identity has influenced her approach to representing LGBTQ+ characters on screen. She credits Emily Estefan with motivating her “to live her truth” and aims to “do her part” for the queer community in American popular culture. Her Catholic upbringing initially created challenges, as she describes being “closeted out of being complicit” and suppressing her queerness to adapt to her environment.
Personal Growth and Future Outlook
Focus on Career and Self-Development
Currently, Merced appears to be prioritizing her career growth and personal development over romantic relationships. With major projects like “The Last of Us” season two and the upcoming “Superman” film, she’s at a pivotal point in her career that demands significant focus and dedication.
The actress has been open about her struggles with anxiety and her journey toward self-acceptance. She’s spoken about turning to her dogs for emotional support and the importance of therapy in managing her mental health. This focus on personal wellness suggests a mature approach to balancing her professional and personal life.
Relationship Philosophy
Merced’s approach to relationships appears to have evolved significantly since her teenage years. Her willingness to discuss her queer identity openly, combined with her discretion about current romantic interests, suggests she’s found a balance between authenticity and privacy. She’s demonstrated that she values genuine connections over public relationships for publicity purposes.
Isabela Merced’s dating life reflects her journey from a teenage Nickelodeon star to a mature actress comfortable with her identity and sexuality. While she appears to be single as of 2025, her past relationships and openness about her queer identity have shown fans an authentic person love and career in the public eye. Her focus on meaningful representation in her work, combined with her personal growth, suggests that when she does enter her next relationship, it will likely be with someone who appreciates both her professional ambitions and personal authenticity.
As Merced continues to take on challenging roles and expand her career, fans can expect her to maintain the same thoughtful approach to her personal life that has characterized her recent years. Whether single or in a relationship, she’s demonstrated that her happiness and professional fulfillment remain her top priorities.
