Zahara Jolie‑Pitt Drops Dad’s Surname, Adopts ‘Marley Jolie’

**Zahara Jolie‑Pitt Drops Father’s Last Name, Becomes Zahara Marley Jolie**

On Monday, September 28, a Los Angeles judge approved Zahara Jolie‑Pitt’s request to drop her father’s surname, changing her legal name to Zahara Marley Jolie. Court documents show the decree was signed by Judge Virginia Keeny and filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Stanley Mosk Courthouse.

“There being no objections, the petition for change of name is granted. The Decree is signed and filed. The Petitioner’s name is changed from Zahara Marley Jolie‑Pitt to Zahara Marley Jolie,” the judge wrote.

Zahara, 21, had publicly identified herself as “Zahara Marley Jolie” while attending Spelman College. She introduced that name when pledging to the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in 2023 and again upon graduating in May.

Her lawyer, Peter Kenneth Levine, represented her virtually at the hearing, following a June petition that set the stage for Monday’s ruling.

The decision comes amid reports of a strained relationship between the former Hollywood couple. Sources have noted that Brad Pitt, 62, feels hurt by his children’s moves to distance themselves from his last name.

“The children are now adults and make their own decisions,” an insider told Us, adding that “it’s really horrible that [Pitt] has tried to paint himself as a victim.” A second source emphasized that no sign of reconciliation appeared between Brad and his children.

## Background & Context

Zahara’s name change follows a series of similar steps taken by her siblings. Maddox, 25, received court approval to drop “Pitt” in May, while Shiloh’s 2024 petition was also granted. Vivienne, 18, is credited as “Vivienne Jolie” in her work on the Broadway play *The Outsiders*, a production produced by their mother, Angelina.

In recent years, the siblings Maddox, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne have all stopped using their father’s last name.

The family’s separation dates back to 2019, after roughly 12 years together and five years of marriage. Since 2022, Brad has been in a relationship with jewelry designer Ines de Ramon. The legal moves by the children reflect a broader shift toward independent identities separate from their parents’ public personas.

## What People Are Saying

, the judge found no objections to Zahara’s petition. The decree was filed without controversy, indicating that the legal process proceeded smoothly. Representatives for Brad and Angelina have not yet commented on Zahara’s name change, though the matter has drawn attention to the evolving dynamics within the family.

Sources describing Brad’s emotional response suggest that he feels “most hurt out of everything that happened with Angie that his children don’t want a public association with his last name.” The same source added that “it’s been very difficult,” underscoring the personal toll of the family’s public splits.

The siblings’ decisions to drop “Pitt” are seen by some observers as a step toward establishing distinct identities. However, no signs of mending fences have surfaced, .

## What Happens Next

With the court’s approval, Zahara can now legally use her new name in all official documents and public appearances. The change is expected to affect her social media profiles, academic records, and future professional endeavors. As a student who already used “Zahara Marley Jolie,” the transition should be straightforward.

The broader family legal landscape remains in flux. While the siblings have already secured new names, further court filings may occur if any additional changes are desired.

Meanwhile, the public and media will likely continue to monitor how Brad and Angelina navigate their roles as parents to adult children who have taken steps to separate their identities from the couple’s legacy.