Well her name is Michelle Jones Watson so basically she is the MCU own take on Mary Jane Watson

if I recall correctly, one of the commentaries explained the name. but I do not remember which movie nor the scene.

It was to be distinct from previous incarnations as well as to keep the surprise of her initial debut as this iconic love interest.

In-universe however? Her father's abuse like in most material has her distanced from the last name of Watson. Making this one take on the name Michelle Jones instead.

I never understood the change. Even in No Way Home, Norman Osborn refers MJ as "Mary Jane Watson" until she corrects him as it is spelled "Michelle-Jones Watson."

You literally see the change explained in No Way Home. Early in the movie where the FBI and Damage Control are hassling her about her parental life.

I don't see the big deal with it, As long as the spirit of the Original Character is there (Which it definitely is with MJ) then it shouldn't matter what her name is.

Besides most Marvel characters rarely call 616 and the rest MJS Mary Jane and usually just refers to her as MJ anyways lol.

Plus as Xander said, it's kind make sense for MJ to distant herself away from her abusive father.

Like, after one Mary Jane that screwed up who the character is and another that more focused on Peter's pre-history with Gwen with a deleted attempt at Mary Jane, they very much needed a change in angles with this character while still keeping her core spirit.

Also, Mary Jane is a slang term for Marijuana, so there’s that (hope I don’t get banned for saying this or anything, but that’s literally what it is)

I don't think that was ever related MCU wise. Beyond, yes, being where Stan, Ditko, and Jack originally got the name.

Really @EarthNinja444 didnt know that