In a notable shift within the Jolie-Pitt family, four of the six children born to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have legally changed their last names to “Jolie,” omitting “Pitt” entirely. The recent changes were formally approved in California courts, reflecting ongoing developments in the family following the couple’s high-profile separation.
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On November 2, 2024, an 18-year-old Vivienne Marcheline Jolie emerged as the latest member to adopt the new surname, as confirmed by court documents obtained by PEOPLE. This decision follows a petition she filed shortly after her birthday, signifying her desire to distance herself from her father’s surname. This change highlights Vivienne’s evolving identity, as she was previously known as Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt.

Vivienne, alongside her siblings, has clearly indicated a preference for their mother’s esteemed surname, slightly distancing themselves from their father’s legacy. On the same day, a judge granted Vivienne’s application without any objections. The starlet has begun to use her new name in a professional context, recently appearing in the Playbill for the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” where she contributed alongside her mother.

The duo’s other children, namely Maddox, Zahara, and Shiloh, have also legally removed “Pitt” from their names. Zahara Marley Jolie officially made the change after a petition submitted in June 2024, and Maddox Chivan Jolie’s name change became official shortly after, demonstrating a clear shift in their family dynamics.
The familial tension has roots that date back to the couple’s divorce, which was finalised in December 2024 after more than twelve years together, including two years of marriage. Their separation in 2016 was marred by allegations of conflict, particularly surrounding an incident in which Pitt was accused of being abusive, though investigations concluded without any findings of wrongdoing.
Amidst the legal name changes and the evolving family structure, the relationship between Brad Pitt and his children has reportedly deteriorated. As of July 2024, sources close to Pitt disclosed that he had minimal contact with his adult children, although he maintained visitation rights with the younger ones. Such revelations have sparked discussions about the impact of parental separation on child-parent relationships.
Shiloh, the first among her siblings to drop her father’s last name, initiated the change on her 18th birthday earlier in 2024. With continuous reports suggesting “very little communication” between Pitt and his children, a source described the situation as “a tragedy,” attributing the tensions to a prolonged campaign of alienation by one parent against the other.
Jolie, who has emphasised the importance of nurturing her children’s individuality and development, previously shared her perspective on parenting, expressing excitement about the different stages of growth her children experience. “We are supposed to help them figure out who they are, and you can’t figure out who they are if you don’t enthusiastically develop with them,” she stated in an interview.
As the family navigates these changes, it is evident that the children are asserting their identities in ways that may lead them further away from the shadows of their famous parents. The evolution of their names represents more than just a legal adjustment; it symbolizes a deeper search for self-definition amidst a turbulent familial landscape.
The unfolding narrative of the Jolie-Pitt family continues to capture public interest, reflecting broader themes of identity, family dynamics, and the lasting effects of separation on children. As each sibling carves out their own path with their newly adopted surnames, the decisions underscore their individual perspectives in the complex mosaic of their upbringing in the spotlight.
