Maddox Jolie Drops Pitt From His Name, Following Siblings' Lead

The eldest Jolie-Pitt child is the latest to distance himself from his father's surname.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Maddox, the eldest child of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has apparently become the latest member of the family to drop Pitt from their name. According to reports, when Jolie's film Couture debuted in France, Maddox was listed in the credits as Maddox Jolie. This follows similar name changes by his siblings Zahara, Shiloh, and Vivienne, who have all taken on their mother's surname in recent years.

Why it matters

The Jolie-Pitt children's distancing from their father's name reflects the ongoing family dynamics and tensions following Jolie and Pitt's high-profile divorce in 2016. The name changes are seen as a symbolic break from their father and an embrace of their mother's lineage.

The details

Maddox, now 24 years old, worked as the third assistant director on his mother's film Couture. When the credits rolled, his name was listed as Maddox Jolie, dropping the Pitt surname. This follows similar moves by his siblings - Zahara joined the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha at Spelman College in 2023 as Zahara Marley Jolie, Vivienne was listed as Vivienne Jolie in the program for a 2024 musical production she co-produced with Jolie, and Shiloh legally changed her name to Shiloh Jolie in 2024 after turning 18. However, Pax and Knox still retain the Jolie-Pitt moniker.

  • Maddox's name change was first noted when Jolie's film Couture debuted in France on February 18, 2026.
  • Zahara joined the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha at Spelman College in November 2023.
  • Vivienne was listed as Vivienne Jolie in the program for a musical production she co-produced with Jolie in May 2024.
  • Shiloh legally changed her name to Shiloh Jolie in May 2024, shortly after turning 18.

The players

Maddox Jolie

The 24-year-old eldest child of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who recently worked as the third assistant director on his mother's film Couture.

Angelina Jolie

The acclaimed actress and filmmaker, who is the mother of the Jolie-Pitt children.

Brad Pitt

The acclaimed actor, who is the father of the Jolie-Pitt children and Jolie's ex-husband.

Zahara Jolie

Jolie and Pitt's 21-year-old daughter, who recently joined the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha at Spelman College under the name Zahara Marley Jolie.

Shiloh Jolie

Jolie and Pitt's 18-year-old daughter, who legally changed her name to Shiloh Jolie in May 2024.

Vivienne Jolie

Jolie and Pitt's 17-year-old daughter, who was listed as Vivienne Jolie in the program for a musical production she co-produced with her mother in 2024.

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The takeaway

The Jolie-Pitt children's decisions to distance themselves from their father's surname reflect the ongoing family dynamics and tensions following Jolie and Pitt's high-profile divorce. This symbolic break from their father's name and embrace of their mother's lineage underscores the complex personal and emotional journeys these young adults are navigating.