Kanye West wants Kim Kardashian to drop her famous surname when they marry.

The "Power" rapper is adamant his bride-to-be takes his last name, causing a tense moment over Christmas when her mother, Kris Jenner, suggested Kim become Kardashian-West.

"Everyone at the table gave a thumbs up, except for Kanye. He sat quiet and stern faced, then blurted forcefully, 'She will be known as Kim West. My wife will bear my name only!" a source said.

Kim - who has six-month-old daughter North with Kanye - is now facing the tough decision of trying to please both her notoriously hot-headed partner and her extremely persuasive mother.

"By the end of the night Kim was in tears because all the way home he kept ranting that he was furious about her even considering to keep the Kardashian name. When Kim fought back, saying her celebrity is based on her famous family's name, big-headed Kanye snapped that his name holds more weight and respect than hers ever will. Kim just couldn't stop crying because she suddenly realized she's in for ongoing pressure - not only from Kanye but from Kris, who'll be livid if she drops the Kardashian name," the source added.