Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s eldest son, Maddox, has officially removed the “Pitt” surname in the credits of a recent film, marking another instance of the family distancing themselves from the actor’s name. The 24-year-old is credited as Maddox Jolie in the movie Couture, where he worked as an assistant director, highlighting a continued trend among the children amid ongoing family tensions.
Children’s Surname Changes Signal Growing Distance from Brad Pitt
Maddox’s choice to omit “Pitt” and use Jolie exclusively follows the footsteps of several of his siblings, reflecting a broader movement within the family to separate their identities from their father’s name. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were married from 2014 to 2016 after a lengthy relationship during which they had six children, all initially carrying the combined surname Jolie-Pitt.
In recent years, multiple children have shifted away from the combined last name. Zahara, 21, adopted “Zahara Marley Jolie” publicly when she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in June 2024. Similarly, Vivienne, 17, appeared as “Vivienne Jolie” in the Playbill of The Outsiders, a Tony-winning musical co-produced by Angelina and Vivienne. These moves symbolize a deliberate distancing from their father’s surname.
Shiloh’s Legal Name Change Highlights Family Struggles
Shiloh, 19, also removed “Pitt” from her legal name shortly after turning 18 in 2024, professionally shortening it to “Shi Jolie.” This legal change was undertaken independently, as a source told Us Weekly that
“[Shiloh] hired her own lawyer and paid for it herself.”
The source added that Angelina Jolie was not involved in the legal process.
These name changes reflect deeper divisions that have emerged within the family since Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s divorce. According to insiders, Brad Pitt has been deeply affected by these choices, viewing them as clear signs of estrangement.
Brad was devastated by this choice,
an insider revealed.
To him, it was more than a change of name — it was a symbol of a deeper estrangement that has been brewing for years.
Further insight from another source indicated that Pitt struggles privately with the growing distance, as the children and their mother have found it difficult to reconnect with him after the split.
Brad’s putting on a brave face, but behind closed doors, he’s finding it extremely difficult to come to terms with [what’s happening],
the source said.
They’ve struggled to forgive and connect with Brad since the divorce. Their mom is the head of the household, and she’s raised them with love and selflessness their whole lives. Once Brad left, it was very hard for them to see him go to war with her.
Brad Pitt’s Life After Divorce and Current Relationship
After Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie finalized their divorce in December 2024, Pitt has moved forward in his personal life, recently making a public appearance with jewelry designer Ines de Ramon. In an interview with GQ in June 2025, Pitt addressed the nature of his new relationship, dismissing ideas that his public debut with de Ramon was a calculated move.
No, dude, it’s not that calculated,
Pitt said.
If you’re living … oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If you’re living with making those kinds of calculations? No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve.
Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie remains focused on her career and motherhood, not yet stepping back into dating. She recently shared a lighthearted story with The New York Times about visiting one of her sons in her old New York City apartment.
The other day I said I was going to pop by, and he was like, ‘Can you just give me a day to clean?’
Angelina said.
I thought, ‘I appreciate that, you should clean up for your mother. But also, how bad is it?’
Ongoing Impact on Family Dynamics
The departure of Pitt from his children’s names illustrates the deep rift that has developed since the divorce. With Brad Pitt’s children publicly removing his last name, it signals ongoing conflict and a struggle for connection within the family. Angelina Jolie remains central to the household, with the children identifying with her name as she continues to balance her professional life and motherhood.
As Maddox Jolie takes on roles behind the scenes, starting with Couture, and siblings like Zahara, Vivienne, and Shiloh assert their identities without “Pitt,” the actor faces mounting challenges in rebuilding relationships with his children. The family’s evolving names may foreshadow further personal and legal developments as they navigate their complex bonds in the years ahead.
