Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter Zahara has officially filed a petition to remove "Pitt" from her last name. The 21-year-old submitted her request in the Los Angeles Superior Court on April 28, 2026.
Why it matters: Zahara's decision to drop her father's surname follows a trend among her siblings. This move highlights the impact of familial relationships on personal identity.
Zahara is the third child of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to legally remove "Pitt" from her name.
Her brother Maddox, 24, filed a similar petition just days before her own filing.
Shiloh, Zahara's younger sister, also changed her name from Jolie-Pitt to Jolie in 2024.
Driving the news: Zahara's petition comes after years of strained relations with her father. Sources indicate that she has not been close to Brad Pitt for several years.
Brad Pitt was absent from Zahara's college graduation ceremony on May 17, 2026, where her name was read as "Zahara Marley Jolie" instead of "Jolie-Pitt."
A source close to Pitt suggested that Angelina Jolie's actions have contributed to the estrangement between him and his children.
Zahara's legal petition was first reported by In Touch and later confirmed by multiple outlets, including PEOPLE and TMZ.
State of play: Zahara's name change reflects a broader pattern among her siblings, who have distanced themselves from their father's name.
Maddox Jolie recently opted to be credited simply as Maddox Jolie in the production notes of his mother’s film, Couture.
Shiloh was granted her name change request in August 2024, shortly after turning 18.
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt also used only "Jolie" in the playbill for her mother's Broadway play, The Outsiders, indicating a shift in family dynamics.
The big picture: Zahara's name change is part of a larger narrative surrounding the Jolie-Pitt family's public and private lives.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt finalized their divorce in December 2024 after a lengthy separation that began in 2016.
The couple shares six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.
Sources indicate that Angelina has maintained a strong relationship with her children, attending key events in their lives.
What they're saying: The reactions to Zahara's decision reveal the complexity of family relationships.
A source close to Pitt expressed sadness over the situation, stating, "It's sad to see someone repeatedly publicize their successful alienation of their children from the other parent."
In a recent social media video, Zahara referred to herself simply as "Zahara Marley Jolie," signaling her desire to distance herself from her father's legacy.
Angelina Jolie has reportedly encouraged her children to embrace their individual identities, fostering a supportive environment for their personal choices.
By the numbers: The Jolie-Pitt family tree has seen several changes in recent years.
Of the six children, Zahara, Maddox, and Shiloh have legally dropped "Pitt" from their names.
The siblings currently using the Jolie-Pitt surname are Pax and Knox, both 17 years old.
Zahara graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in May 2026.
Between the lines: Zahara's decision can be seen as a reflection of her personal growth and independence.
Her graduation ceremony marked a milestone, where she was celebrated for her achievements without the association of her father's name.
In a speech during her sorority induction, Zahara emphasized her individuality, introducing herself as "Zahara Marley Jolie."
This shift may signify a desire to forge her own path separate from her father's public persona.
What's next: Zahara is scheduled to appear in court on September 28, 2026, to discuss her name change.
During this hearing, she may provide insights into her motivations for wanting to drop "Pitt" from her name.
The outcome of her petition could set a precedent for her siblings who have also distanced themselves from their father's surname.
As the family continues to navigate their complex dynamics, Zahara's decision may influence how they publicly identify moving forward.
As the Jolie-Pitt children assert their identities, Zahara's name change stands as a powerful statement about family, legacy, and the pursuit of individuality.