Maddox Jolie-Pitt, the eldest son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has formally dropped his dad’s surname, now going by Maddox Jolie. This change was first noticed when the 24-year-old was credited as an assistant director under the name Maddox Jolie in his mother’s film Couture, which was released in French theaters on March 24. The updated name also appeared during the movie’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival the previous September.
Background on Maddox and the Jolie-Pitt Family
Maddox was adopted by Angelina Jolie in 2002, before Brad Pitt adopted him some years later, making him the firstborn among the six Jolie-Pitt children. The couple also share daughters Zahara and Shiloh, son Pax, and twins Knox and Vivienne. Maddox’s recent decision to remove Pitt from his surname follows similar changes made by his sisters Shiloh and Vivienne.
Sisters Lead the Way in Changing Family Names
In May 2024, Shiloh became the first among her siblings to legally drop the Pitt surname on her 18th birthday. Soon after, Vivienne also removed Pitt from her name, although it remains unclear if her change is permanent. These shifts suggest a broader move among the children to redefine their public identities.
Context of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Separation
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s relationship lasted about 12 years, including two years of marriage before Jolie filed for divorce in 2016. The separation process extended over several years until the divorce was officially finalized in 2024.
“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family,”
said Jolie’s lawyer James Simon.
This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.”
Significance of the Name Changes Within the Family
The removal of Pitt from Maddox’s and his sisters’ names symbolizes a personal and legal step reflecting their evolving relationship with their father’s legacy. As legal adulthood and autonomy increase, these changes may influence how the children of Jolie and Pitt choose to define themselves publicly. This action could also affect future professional and personal endeavors, signaling a clear break from their previous family identity.
