Two of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s children, Zahara and Maddox, are taking steps to drop their father’s surname, a move that reflects a growing trend among young adults to redefine their identities. The siblings, aged 21 and 24, have filed documents to remove Pitt’s surname from their names and will appear in court in September to finalize the change.
The decision comes after another sibling, Shiloh, changed her surname to Jolie in 2024. The family’s high-profile divorce and subsequent custody battles have been well-documented, with Jolie citing the “wellbeing” of her family as the reason for leaving Pitt in 2016.
Surname Changes
For many, a surname is more than just a name – it’s a connection to family and heritage. But for those who have experienced trauma or estrangement, it can be a painful reminder of a difficult past. Dr. Harry Parkin, a lecturer at the University of Chester, notes that surnames have a close connection to identity, and changing one’s surname can be a sign of disconnection from a particular family or experience.
Hannah, a 25-year-old from California, recently changed her surname to Leonard-Ripley, combining her mother’s maiden name and her husband’s surname. She had previously used two surnames, one inherited from her father and one shared with her mother, but felt no emotional connection to her father’s name. “I’ve never felt like my last name reflected the love that encompasses my life,” she says.
Experts say that changing one’s surname can be a psychological defense mechanism, allowing individuals to separate themselves from a traumatic or problematic experience. Dr. Becca Bland, a family counsellor, notes that people who are distanced from a relative or estranged may choose to change their surname as a way to cope with difficult emotions and create a sense of separation.
Implications and Reactions
The decision by Zahara and Maddox to drop their father’s surname has sparked a wider conversation about identity, family, and the complexities of estrangement. While some may view the move as a rejection of their father, others see it as a necessary step towards healing and self-discovery. A source close to Pitt says he respects his children’s decisions, despite being “heartbroken” by the outcome.
The experience of estrangement can be isolating and emotionally challenging, but research shows that adults who estrange themselves from relatives often do so with careful consideration and a deep understanding of their own needs. As Dr. Lucy Blake notes, “people who are estranged from their parents may feel a range of emotions, including grief, loss, and a sense of freedom.”
The decision by Zahara and Maddox to change their surname serves as a reminder that family relationships are complex and multifaceted, and that individuals have the right to redefine their identities and create their own paths in life. As the conversation around estrangement and identity continues to evolve, it’s clear that the traditional notion of family and surname is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution.
