Twenty-one-year-old Zahara Marley Jolie has taken a significant step in her personal identity journey by formally requesting a legal name change. Zahara, the eldest daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, aims to drop her father’s surname, “Pitt,” from her name.
Zahara’s Legal Name Change Request
The request was submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court, with Zahara signing the petition on April 28, 2026, and officially filing it on June 4, 2026. In her filing, she seeks to change her name from “Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt” to “Zahara Marley Jolie.” A court hearing to review this request is scheduled for September 28, 2026.
In California, changing one’s name as an adult is a straightforward process. It involves filing a petition, possibly publishing a notice in a local newspaper, and attending a short court hearing. Zahara’s process mirrors that of her sister, Shiloh, who legally changed her name in 2024.
Public Identity Transition
Notably, Zahara has been using the name “Zahara Marley Jolie” for some time. During her graduation at Spelman College on May 17, 2026, she was introduced without her father’s surname. The event marked a public endorsement of her chosen name.
Influence of Spelman College
- Spelman College is a historically Black women’s institution.
- Zahara has found a supportive community there, away from Hollywood.
- Her graduation ceremony reinforced her identity as “Zahara Marley Jolie.”
Family Dynamics and Sibling Changes
Zahara is not alone in this name change journey. Her siblings have also made similar decisions. Shiloh Nouvel Jolie paved the way by legally changing her name in May 2024. Meanwhile, Maddox Jolie has filed a petition for his name change.
Current Status of Jolie-Pitt Children’s Surnames
| Child | Status |
|---|---|
| Zahara | Legal change pending (hearing in September 2026) |
| Shiloh | Legally changed to Shiloh Nouvel Jolie (2024) |
| Maddox | Petition filed (May 2026) |
| Vivienne | Using Jolie professionally |
| Pax and Knox | No public change yet |
Impact of Family Relations
The backdrop of Zahara’s decision is a lengthy and complicated divorce between her parents, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Their separation, initiated in 2016, has involved extensive legal disputes over custody and assets. As tensions grew, Zahara and her siblings began moving away from their father’s surname.
As Zahara prepares for her upcoming court hearing, it appears likely the judge will approve her request, given the success of her sister’s name change. This transition reflects a powerful assertion of identity, aligning legal documents with the name she has adopted in her day-to-day life.
With both her parents silent on her request, Zahara’s choice stands as a personal declaration, firmly establishing her identity as “Zahara Marley Jolie.”
