In a significant shift reflecting their personal journeys, Maddox and Zahara, the children of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, are moving to legally change their surnames, dropping their father’s name. This decision, confirmed through public notices in California newspapers, marks a poignant chapter in the lives of the siblings, who have continued to carve out their identities in the spotlight.
Legal Steps for Name Change
Maddox, now 24, and Zahara, aged 21, have taken the initial legal steps to change their names by filing the necessary paperwork in April. To comply with California law, they placed newspaper ads four times a week throughout June, inviting any objections to their name change before a final court hearing scheduled for September. The ads serve as a formal announcement of their intent, a requirement designed to ensure transparency and allow for any opposition to be voiced.
Should no objections be raised, it’s anticipated that the court will grant their request, allowing them to move forward under their chosen names. The Independent has reached out to both Pitt, 62, and Jolie, 51, as well as the Superior Court of California, for their comments on this evolving situation.
A Shift in Identity
The decision to drop the Pitt surname has been a gradual process for both siblings. Zahara, who recently graduated, was introduced as Zahara Marley Jolie during her ceremony, indicating her desire to distance herself from her father’s name, a sentiment she expressed as far back as November 2023. In a video for her university’s sorority, she introduced herself without reference to Pitt, signalling a personal choice that reflects her independence.
Maddox, too, has opted for a name change in a professional context, crediting himself as Maddox Jolie in the recent film “Couture,” where he worked as an assistant director alongside his mother. This move further underscores their commitment to establishing their identities beyond their famous lineage.
Family Dynamics and Historical Context
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who parted ways in 2016 after more than a decade together, are parents to six children: Maddox, Pax (22), Zahara, Shiloh (20), and twins Knox and Vivienne (17). Shiloh became the first sibling to formally change her name upon turning 18 in 2024, now identifying as Shiloh Jolie. Vivienne followed suit in May 2024, being credited simply as Vivienne Jolie in a playbill for “The Outsiders,” a Broadway production their mother produced.
The backdrop of this family dynamic is not without its complexities. A 2016 incident on a private flight, during which Pitt was accused of acting aggressively towards one of the children, led to an FBI investigation that ultimately cleared him of wrongdoing. Nonetheless, the public disclosure of the events surrounding that flight had a lasting impact on the family, as Jolie indicated that it left the children frightened and unsettled.
Why it Matters
The decision by Maddox and Zahara to change their names is emblematic of a broader quest for autonomy and self-definition amidst the shadows of fame. As they navigate their paths away from their parents’ high-profile relationship, their actions resonate with many young adults striving to assert their identities. This legal move not only marks a personal milestone for the siblings but also highlights the ongoing conversations around family, identity, and the complexities that come with being raised in the public eye. Their choice serves as a reminder that personal growth often necessitates letting go of the past.
