All Three of Brad Pitt’s Daughters, Zahara, Vivienne, & Shiloh, Have Changed Their Names 

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s daughters, Zahara, Vivienne, and Shiloh, made headlines recently as it was revealed that they have adopted new names. This decision to change their names garnered significant reactions among fans and followers of the Hollywood star and his family.

Shiloh Nouvel, Vivienne Marcheline, Angelina Jolie, and Zahara Marley attend the World Premiere of Disney's “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on September 30, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Zahara Seemingly Drops Last Name

Zahara Jolie-Pitt, the eldest daughter of Hollywood’s former power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has embarked on a new chapter in her life as an official member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha organization at Spelman College in Atlanta. This has also come with a notable drop of the name “Pitt.”

Brad Pitt and his daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt spotted at a playground in New York City on August 26, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

In a captivating video shared by Essence, Zahara’s infectious energy and enthusiasm were on full display as she introduced herself during her sorority’s probate.

Dressed in a stylish black midi dress, gloves, and pearls, she proudly declared, “My name is Zahara Marley Jolie, coming all the way from the Golden State in the city that is full of angels, Los Angeles, California. I am this line’s number seven.”

Zahara Jolie-Pitt introduces herself on stage as Zahara Jolie at Spelman College, as seen in the video dated November 2023. | Source: Instagram/essence

Fans expressed their thoughts regarding the missing “Pitt” from her name during this significant moment. One commenter expressed disappointment, noting, “That’s a shame seeing as how life could have been different for her, and he played a part in changing her life for the better.” Another fan questioned the scrutiny aimed at Brad, asking, “Why are they giving Brad such a hard time?”

Brad Pitt and his daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt visiting Central Park on August 28, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Another comment urged caution, stating, “I just hope this young lady is making decisions based on her own reality because to reject a parent is a BIG DEAL and should not be influenced by other people’s experiences or recollections.”

As she begins this new chapter in her life, it’s clear that Zahara’s name choice is eliciting thoughtful reflections on the complexities of family dynamics after her parents’ divorce.

Zahara Jolie-Pitt attends the "The Eternals" UK Premiere at BFI IMAX Waterloo in London, England, on October 27, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

Vivienne Changes Name Amid Parents’ Legal Feud — Report

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt is one of the twins of Angelina and Brad. When the twins were born in 2008, Brad was “very pleased to be at the birth of his children, very moved and very emotional,” said OB/GYN Dr. Michel Sussman.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt attends the opening night of "The Outsiders" at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Now 15, Vivienne is exploring her artistic side with her mom’s strong support. According to People, the Playbill for the musical “The Outsiders” lists her as “Vivienne Jolie,” notably without “Pitt.” This name change marks a significant step in Vivienne’s evolving public identity.

Brad Pitt and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt on December 4, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In the musical, Vivienne Jolie works as a production assistant, and her mother, Angelina, is the producer. She often joins her mom during the musical’s promotional tour.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the opening night of "The Outsiders" at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In a recent appearance on “Today,” she was spotted watching Angelina from the crowd. Reflecting on her daughter’s role in the musical, Angelina shared that Vivienne’s enthusiasm for the project is driven by its focus on family.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt watches her mother, Angelina Jolie, being interviewed in the "Today" show for their musical "The Outsiders," dated May 2024. | Source: Instagram/todayshow

The veteran actress said, “And the same reason it responded to her, the same reason she wanted me next to her watching it, the same reason we all hugged when I came out here is because this is about family and it’s about community…”

Before the promotional tour, the mother-daughter pair were spotted attending the musical’s preview in New York City. This rare outing marked a significant public appearance for Vivienne, her first since 2021, drawing attention from fans and media alike.

Angelina Jolie and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at the Walter Kerr Theatre for the Broadway show "Hadestown" in Times Square on August 19, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Vivienne’s reported name change and recent public appearances highlight the evolving dynamics of the Jolie-Pitt family, especially after a third child, Shiloh, chose to follow in the footsteps of Zahara and Vivienne.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt attends the Los Angeles premiere of MSNBC Films' "Paper & Glue: A JR Project" at Museum Of Tolerance on November 18, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Turned 18 and Unveiled Her New Moniker

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, who turned 18 on May 27, has filed legal documents to drop her father Brad’s surname and use her mother, Angelina’s surname. She now wishes to be known simply as “Shiloh Jolie,” making this one of her first actions as an adult.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the premiere of "Maleficent : Mistress of Evil" on October 7, 2019, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

TMZ recently reported that Shiloh filed the paperwork on Memorial Day, which coincided with her birthday. The request for the name change has yet to be officially granted, but it is expected to be a matter of time before it becomes official.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt attends the "Eternals" UK Premiere at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Shiloh’s decision follows a trend within the family, as her sisters, Vivienne and Zahara, have also reportedly omitted “Pitt” on separate occasions. These changes in the children’s names come amid court documents suggesting Angelina may have influenced their strained relationship with Brad.

Angelina Jolie, daughters Zahara and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt attend the gala screening of "The Eternals" at the BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Recent claims against the actress surfaced through a statement from Tony Webb, owner of SRS Global, a security company that provided personal protection for Angelina. Webb, employed under Jolie from 2000 to 2020, shared insights from his experience.

Angelina Jolie during the Service of Commemoration and Dedication at St Paul's Cathedral in London on June 28, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

“One of the two individuals, Ross Foster, specified that he intended to testify regardless of the NDA if he received a court subpoena,” Webb stated. He further revealed disturbing details about the potential testimony.

Angelina Jolie at the ICC in The Hague on May 19, 2009. | Source: Getty Images

“When Mr. Foster told me this, he also told me that if asked, he would testify about statements he overheard that Ms. Jolie made to the children, encouraging them to avoid spending time with Mr. Pitt during custody visits,” he claimed.

Maddox, Vivienne, Angelina Jolie, Zahara, Shiloh, and Knox Jolie Pitt during the world premiere of Marvel Studios' "Eternals" at the Dolby theatre in Los Angeles, on October 18, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

This revelation sparked a fierce reaction across social media platforms, with many expressing dismay at Angelina. Others showed concern over the potential impact on the Jolie-Pitt children.

Angelina Jolie, Zahara Jolie Pitt, Brad Pitt, and Maddox Pitt walking at the seafront promenade in Mumbai on November 12, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

“The fact that she cannot see the harm this is doing to their kids is just shocking,” one person commented. This was echoed by another commenter who noted, “It’s probably why Shiloh is moving in with her father now… She’s realized her mother is vindictive and has been trying to alienate them from Brad for years.”

Shiloh, Zahara, Angelina Jolie, and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

One called Angelina’s alleged move “the worse possible thing a person can do… alienate their children from a parent.” Meanwhile, another declared “Shame on her.”

Angelina Jolie, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at Haneda Airport on June 21, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images

The debate over Angelina’s actions led some to reflect on the cyclical nature of such behavior, attributing it to her tumultuous upbringing. “Her childhood was similar from what I read. Maybe she can’t break that perpetual cycle or doesn’t want to,” one claimed.

Brad Pitt, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt on July 30, 2013 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images

Besides Vivienne, Shiloh, and Zahara, Angelina is a mother to Knox, Pax, and Maddox. She shares all of them with Brad and despite the public’s critical perception, Angelina Jolie has continually strived to embody the role of a nurturing, attentive mother. This is, a commitment deeply rooted in the lessons taught by her own mom, Marcheline Bertrand.

Marcheline Bertrand at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles, California, on July 31, 2001. | Source: Getty Images

In a candid revelation made back in 2011, Angelina shared insights into her parenting approach, which is heavily influenced by the relationship she cherished with her mother. Angelina emphasized the importance of not just being a parent but also a friend to her children.

Angelina Jolie, Marcheline Bertrand, and Jacqueline Bisset at the premiere of her new film "Original Sin" in West Hollywood, on July 31, 2001. | Source: Getty Images

She highlighted the invaluable connection she experienced through open communication and shared activities with her mother. This foundation has guided her in fostering a similar bond with her children, ensuring that despite their diverse backgrounds, they feel united as a family.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, and Knox Jolie-Pitt during the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil European Premiere held at Imax Waterloo in London on October 9, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Remembering her mother’s gentle spirit and unwavering generosity, Angelina aspires to emulate these traits. Her aim is clear: to be as good a mother to her children as her mother was to her.

I Wasn’t Able to Contact My Wife for Weeks — Then My Father-in-Law Called and Said, ‘I Think You Need to Know the Truth’

For nearly two decades, I thought my marriage was unshakable — until one morning, my wife vanished, leaving only a cryptic note. Weeks later, a single phone call revealed a betrayal so deep it changed everything.

I never thought of myself as the kind of man who’d end up abandoned. Not me. Not Adam, a 43-year-old husband, father of three, and steady provider. My life wasn’t perfect, but it was predictable and solid.

For nineteen years, my wife, Sandy, and I built something real together: a home, a family, a life that felt like it could withstand anything.

And then, one morning, she was just… gone.

A thoughtful woman standing on the front porch of her house | Source: Midjourney

A thoughtful woman standing on the front porch of her house | Source: Midjourney

It started like any other day. I woke up groggy, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I reached for Sandy’s side of the bed. Empty. That wasn’t too unusual; she was an early riser, always up before me, usually making breakfast or lost in one of her endless projects.

But when I stumbled into the kitchen, there was no fresh coffee, no sizzling bacon, no scribbled note about running errands. Just silence.

That’s when I saw it.

A single piece of paper, folded neatly on the counter.

A closeup shot of a woman writing in a notebook | Source: Pexels

A closeup shot of a woman writing in a notebook | Source: Pexels

I frowned, picked it up, and my stomach clenched the moment I read the words.

“Don’t call me. Don’t go to the police. Just accept it.”

I read it twice. Then again. The words blurred together. My hands felt numb.

What the hell was this? A prank? Some kind of cruel joke?

“Sandy?” I called out, my voice too loud in the still house. No answer.

I checked the bedroom again; her closet was half-empty with drawers yanked open as if she’d packed in a hurry.

That’s when panic sank its claws into me.

A panicked man in his room | Source: Midjourney

A panicked man in his room | Source: Midjourney

I grabbed my phone and called her. Straight to voicemail. Called again. Same thing.

I texted her: “Sandy, what is this? Where are you? Please, call me.”

Nothing.

Within the hour, I was calling everyone — her friends, her coworkers. No one had seen or heard from her. Then I called her parents.

Bernard, my father-in-law, answered. His voice was careful, too careful.

“Adam, son, maybe she just needed space,” he said, like he was trying to convince himself more than me.

A senior man talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

A senior man talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

“Space?” I repeated. “Bernard, she left a note saying not to call her. That I should just ‘accept it.’ That’s not ‘needing space’—that’s running away.”

A long pause. Then a sigh. “Just… give it some time.”

That’s when I knew he was holding something back.

But what choice did I have? The police refused to help, claiming she was an adult who had left willingly. “No signs of foul play,” they said. “This happens more often than you’d think.”

A photo showing two police officers outside a house | Source: Pexels

A photo showing two police officers outside a house | Source: Pexels

Days turned into a week. Then two.

The kids were wrecked.

Seth, my fifteen-year-old, shut down completely; silent, brooding, locking himself in his room for hours. Sarah, sixteen, was angry. At Sandy, at me, at the universe. “She just left?” she’d yell. “Did she even think about us?”

And Alice… God, Alice. Ten years old, still waiting by the front door some nights, hoping her mom would walk through.

“Maybe Mom’s lost,” she whispered one evening as I tucked her in. “Maybe she needs help.”

I forced a smile. “Maybe, sweetheart.”

A man forces a smile while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

A man forces a smile while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

But I didn’t believe it.

I barely slept and spent hours staring at my phone, willing it to ring. And then, one night, three weeks after she disappeared, it finally did.

Not from Sandy.

From Bernard.

It wasn’t a normal call. It was a Facebook video call, something he never did. That alone sent my nerves into overdrive.

I answered immediately. His face filled the screen, lit only by a dim lamp. He looked… haunted.

“Bernard?” I said, heart pounding. “What’s going on?”

He hesitated, rubbed a hand over his face. “Adam… I think you need to know the truth.”

A sad and worried senior man looking at his phone | Source: Midjourney

A sad and worried senior man looking at his phone | Source: Midjourney

I froze. “What truth?”

“It’s about Sandy.” His voice dropped to a near whisper. “But before I tell you, you have to promise me something.”

“What?” My pulse roared in my ears. “Bernard, where is she? Is she safe?”

“Promise me first,” he said, his expression unreadable. “Don’t tell Sandy I told you this. She made us swear, but I—” He exhaled shakily. “I couldn’t keep this from you.”

I hesitated. My throat felt tight, like my body already knew the truth before my mind could process it.

“I promise,” I finally said.

A man looks a bit confused yet worried while looking at his phone | Source: Midjourney

A man looks a bit confused yet worried while looking at his phone | Source: Midjourney

Bernard exhaled slowly as if the weight of this secret had been crushing him for weeks. His voice wavered.

“She’s in France,” he said. “With him.”

I frowned. “Him?” The word felt foreign in my mouth. Then, before he could even answer, the realization hit me like a freight train.

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “You don’t mean —”

“Her first love, Jeremy,” Bernard confirmed. “The one from high school. The one she only left behind because he moved to Europe.” His voice was bitter, edged with something I couldn’t quite place. “She told us she’d dreamed of this moment for years.”

A closeup shot of a man and woman holding hands | Source: Pexels

A closeup shot of a man and woman holding hands | Source: Pexels

My stomach twisted so violently that I thought I might be sick.

I gripped the phone tighter. “You’re telling me she — planned this?”

Bernard hesitated before answering, his voice strained. “Yes.”

I sat down hard, the air sucked out of my lungs.

“She said she’d be back in six months,” he continued. “She made us swear not to tell you. But I — I just couldn’t keep quiet anymore. You and the kids deserve better than this.”

My hands curled into fists. “She abandoned us.” The words came out hollow, like I couldn’t believe them even as I said them.

A man struggling with hurt and anger | Source: Midjourney

A man struggling with hurt and anger | Source: Midjourney

Bernard let out a shaky breath. “I raised her better than this,” he murmured. “Or at least, I thought I did. But she left you. She left her own children. And for what? A fling? A fantasy from when she was seventeen?”

His disgust was palpable. I knew he was struggling with this as much as I was.

A senior man looks hurt and disappointed | Source: Midjourney

A senior man looks hurt and disappointed | Source: Midjourney

He went on, his voice thick with emotion. “At first, I kept her secret because I thought maybe she just needed time. That maybe she’d come to her senses. But when I spoke to her last, she wasn’t talking like someone who regretted her choices. She sounded… happy. Free. As if none of you even existed.”

The words settled over me like a suffocating weight.

A man covering his face with his hands | Source: Pexels

A man covering his face with his hands | Source: Pexels

Bernard sighed. “But it’s not just my shame I can’t bear — it’s what she’s done to you, to her children. I won’t let them suffer because of her selfishness. You need to protect them, Adam. And for that, you need to know the truth.”

I pressed my fingers against my temple. My brain felt foggy, my thoughts scattered.

“Do you have proof?” I finally asked.

Silence stretched between us. Then, I saw a new message pop up.

Bernard had sent me a voice recording.

I hesitated, then pressed play.

Sandy’s voice filled the room. Light. Excited.

A woman smiles while looking at her phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman smiles while looking at her phone | Source: Midjourney

“I feel alive for the first time in years,” she said, practically breathless. “Maybe I’ll stay longer. Maybe another few months. He makes me so happy, Dad. You have to understand.”

My jaw tightened so hard it hurt.

“Understand?” I muttered to myself.

I felt sick. Physically sick.

The woman I had spent almost two decades loving, the mother of my children, had left us for this.

A heartbroken and devastated man | Source: Midjourney

A heartbroken and devastated man | Source: Midjourney

That night, I didn’t sleep. I sat at the kitchen table, staring at the cold, empty space where Sandy used to sit, where she used to sip her coffee in the mornings, where she used to laugh at my terrible jokes.

It was over. All of it.

The next morning, I contacted a lawyer.

I prepared divorce papers.

If she wanted her fresh start, I’d give it to her.

And then — eight months later — she returned.

It happened on a Sunday.

A smiling woman standing outside her house | Source: Midjourney

A smiling woman standing outside her house | Source: Midjourney

I had just come home from grocery shopping when I heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. I didn’t think much of it at first until the knock on the door came.

I opened it, and there she was.

Sandy.

She looked different. Not in a dramatic way, but just… less. Her usual confident posture was gone, replaced with something hesitant, almost fragile.

“Adam,” she breathed, her eyes glassy. “I’m home.”

I leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Are you?”

An upset man leans against the doorframe of the front door of his house | Source: Midjourney

An upset man leans against the doorframe of the front door of his house | Source: Midjourney

Her lips trembled. “Please, can we talk?”

I didn’t invite her in. Instead, I stepped outside and closed the door behind me.

The kids were out with their grandparents; I wasn’t about to let them be blindsided by this.

“Talk,” I said flatly.

Her eyes darted to the ground. “It was a mistake,” she whispered. “I left him.”

I didn’t react.

She swallowed hard. “Please, Adam, let’s fix this.”

I let out a short, humorless laugh. “Fix what?”

She flinched. “Us. Our family. I — I thought you’d wait for me.”

A sad and surprised woman talking to someone | Source: Midjourney

A sad and surprised woman talking to someone | Source: Midjourney

I stared at her, stunned by the sheer audacity of that statement.

“Wait for you?” I repeated. “You planned your escape. You told your father you felt ‘alive’ for the first time in years. You chose this, Sandy. And now that your fantasy crashed and burned, you want to come back?”

Her eyes filled with tears. “I was confused. I — I made a mistake.”

I shook my head. “No. You made a choice. A conscious, selfish choice. You put your happiness above everything else. Above me. Above your own children.

An angry man screaming at someone | Source: Midjourney

An angry man screaming at someone | Source: Midjourney

A tear slid down her cheek. “Adam, please. I know I messed up. I know I hurt you, but —”

“You didn’t just hurt me,” I cut in. “You destroyed our kids. Seth barely speaks anymore. Sarah doesn’t trust anyone. Alice still waits by the window some nights, thinking you’ll come home. You did that, Sandy. And now you want to waltz back in like none of it happened?”

She sobbed openly now. “I love you. I love them. I just — I lost my way.”

A woman sobs while standing in front of her husband | Source: Midjourney

A woman sobs while standing in front of her husband | Source: Midjourney

I exhaled slowly, looking at the woman I once knew and realizing she wasn’t the same person anymore.

And neither was I.

“You lost everything,” I told her.

She blinked, her breath hitching.

I stepped back, reached into my pocket, and pulled out an envelope.

Divorce papers.

She looked down at them, her face crumbling. “No,” she whispered. “Adam, please —”

I shook my head. “You made your choice, Sandy. Now I’m making mine.”

I turned and walked back inside, locking the door behind me.

She was alone.

Just like she had left us.

And I didn’t look back.

A gloomy man sitting alone in his room | Source: Midjourney

A gloomy man sitting alone in his room | Source: Midjourney

Do you think I did the right thing? What would you have done in my place?

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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