Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Daughter Zahara Files to Drop ‘Pitt’ from Last Name Days After Brother Maddox Did the Same

**Zahara Jolie Files Name Change: A Reflection of Growing Independence Among Pitt-Jolie Children**

In a significant step toward establishing her own identity, Zahara Jolie, the eldest daughter of former Hollywood power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has officially petitioned to remove “Pitt” from her last name. The request, which was filed in the Superior Court of California on April 28, 2024, has seen widespread attention, particularly given that Zahara is the third of the couple’s six children to make a similar move.

At only 21 years old, Zahara graduated recently from Spelman College and is venturing into adulthood with a decision that resonates with her siblings. Her brother Maddox, aged 24, initiated the change just days earlier, and younger sister Shiloh had already altered her last name in 2024. The divorce between Jolie and Pitt, finalised in December 2024, marked a new chapter for the family, prompting the children to assert their individual identities.

Reports from trusted sources reveal that Zahara’s petition aligns with a broader trend among her siblings who have reconsidered their last names following their parents’ split in 2016. The former couple, who were together for over a decade, share a close-knit bond with their children, despite the public narrative surrounding their separation.

An inside source close to Pitt expressed concern over the repeated changes within the family dynamic, noting, “It’s sad to see someone repeatedly publicise their successful alienation of their children from the other parent.” While this perspective highlights tension, it underscores the complexities surrounding family identity in the wake of a high-profile divorce.

Hints toward Zahara’s desire to change her name surfaced during her college graduation ceremony on May 17, where her name was printed as “Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt” in the official programme, but omitted the “Pitt” when read aloud. This incident seemed to foreshadow her decision to establish her own path, separate from her father’s name.

Further evidencing her shift, Zahara made a public introduction via social media where she confidently claimed her identity as “Zahara Marley Jolie”. This announcement occurred during a video shared by Essence, which celebrated her induction into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Such affirmations suggest that Zahara is not only stepping into her individuality, but is also keen on aligning her name with her own personal and professional aspirations.

The siblings are not alone in their journeys of self-identification. In prior months, both Vivienne and Maddox also appeared to drop “Pitt” from their professional credits, suggesting a collective movement towards embracing their Jolie heritage. However, it remains unclear whether these decisions have been formalised legally for the younger children.

Zahara, along with her siblings, has been supported consistently by their mother, who is noted for her involvement in their lives. An insider highlighted that Jolie endeavours to be present for her children, attending their key events and celebrating their achievements. “Angie has showed up for pretty much everything — move-in weekend, sorority events, milestone celebrations, and now graduation,” they remarked, emphasising the warmth in their mother-daughter relationship.

In contrast, reports indicate that Pitt has minimal interaction with his children, reflecting the dynamics of the custody arrangement whereby Jolie primarily looks after their kids. An insider previously disclosed that Pitt has “virtually no contact” with his adult children, despite having visitation rights with the younger ones. This divide in parenting involvement has contributed to the children’s desires for independence.

As the three eldest children navigate their identities, they appear to be undertaking their transitions with a degree of reflection that is both personal and public. Their decisions seem not only to symbolise a new chapter in their lives but also encapsulate the broader complexities of family and identity in a changing landscape. The legal name changes highlight both a rejection of their past and an embrace of their future, distinct from the narratives that once defined them.

As Zahara takes this step, she joins her siblings on a path towards self-discovery and individuality, shedding the last remnants of a shared surname that once represented a unit now in transformation. It remains to be seen how the family’s relationships will evolve, but one thing is certain: Zahara Jolie is ready to carve out her own legacy.