Brad Pitt’s six children have begun legally changing their surnames from Pitt to Jolie, a trend that has emerged in the years following the actor’s 2016 divorce from Angelina Jolie. This shift marks a significant change in how the family presents itself publicly.
The children—Maddox (24), Pax (20), Zahara (21), Shiloh (18), Vivienne (18), and twins Knox and Vivienne—were adopted by the couple in Ethiopia, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and now each is seeking to reflect their mother’s surname. Each child now carries a name that reflects their mother’s influence.
Shiloh was the first to file a name‑change petition on her 18th birthday, followed by Zahara and Maddox earlier this year, who have already begun using the Jolie surname in public appearances.
Vivienne recently filed to drop 'Pitt' from her name, with a court hearing set for November; court documents list the reason simply as 'personal.'
Both Zahara and Maddox have complied with California law by publishing notices of their intended name changes in a local newspaper, and their hearings are scheduled for September.
The children’s decision to adopt the Jolie surname appears to be part of a broader shift in family dynamics after the couple’s separation.
The divorce followed a 2016 incident on a private flight, after which the couple’s relationship deteriorated and legal disputes over property and custody ensued.
Since the split, the parents have been involved in a protracted legal battle over a winery, adding further strain to their family affairs.
The children have expressed limited contact with their father and have described their experiences as stressful, prompting the name changes as a way to assert independence.
The pattern of surname changes underscores the evolving identities of Brad Pitt’s children and reflects the lasting impact of the divorce on the family.
