Angelina Jolie’s youngest daughter, Vivienne, has become the fourth of her six children with Brad Pitt to file a petition for a legal name change, seeking to drop “Pitt” from her surname. The filing represents a significant development in the ongoing family matter that has seen multiple siblings pursue similar legal action in recent months.According to PEOPLE magazine, Vivienne filed her petition on July 21, joining her older siblings Zahara, Maddox and Shiloh in seeking to remove their father’s last name. The outlet reported that the reason for the name change is listed as “personal” in court documents.
Angelina Jolie’s perspective and response
A source close to Jolie provided insight into the actress’s position regarding her children’s decisions. “If people knew the whole truth, they would have more sympathy for the children and respect them. The fact they aren’t speaking ill or sharing things publicly only shows their decency,” the source stated, emphasising the children’s restraint in a public family matter.
According to a source, Jolie believes her children’s decisions are personal and praised them for handling the situation with dignity while avoiding public criticism.Image credit (Instagram)
The source further elaborated on Jolie’s emotional state regarding the situation. “Angie hasn’t been fighting and isn’t angry. She just wants everyone to heal,” the source added, suggesting that the 51-year-old actress views the name changes as part of a broader process of moving forward.
Details of Vivienne Marcheline Pitt petition and siblings’ status
Vivienne is requesting to legally change her name to Vivienne Marcheline Jolie. Her petition follows similar filings from her older siblings, who have indicated their own intended surnames. Zahara is seeking to become Zahara Marley Jolie, while Maddox is requesting to change his name to Maddox Chivan Jolie. In 2024, their sister Shiloh successfully filed to drop Pitt from her name and legally changed it to Shiloh Jolie.Shiloh’s petition was successfully granted in August 2024, while both Zahara’s and Maddox’s petitions remain pending. According to court documents, Maddox’s hearing is scheduled for September 14 with Zahara’s hearing following on September 28. Most recently, the two published a legal notice in the Los Angeles Daily Journal formally confirming their intent to change their names in accordance with California law. Vivienne’s hearing is scheduled for November 2.
Angelina Jolie poses alongside daughter Shiloh and French street artist JR at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Paper & Glue’, during a rare public appearance together.Image credit (Instagram)
The family also includes Pax, 22, and twins Knox, 18, with only Vivienne among the twins pursuing the name change at this time.
Brad Pitt’s perspective and public statements
While neither Jolie nor Pitt, 62, have publicly addressed their children’s name change requests directly, a source close to the actor offered a contrasting viewpoint. “It’s sad to see someone repeatedly publicise their successful alienation of their children from the other parent,” a source told the publication, characterising the situation as problematic.
During a 2025 interview, Pitt spoke about valuing family and close relationships, though he did not directly comment on the legal name change petitions.Image credit (Instagram)
Pitt last discussed matters related to family and relationships during a June 2025 red carpet interview ahead of the release of his film ‘F1’. Speaking to a television talk show, ‘Entertainment Tonight’, he reflected on the importance of personal connections at this stage of his life.“I think you get to my age and see how important it is to surround yourself with the people you know, the people you love, the people that love you back. Friends, family, and that’s it. From there, we get to go make things. It’s a pretty simple, I think, equation,” he stated, offering his perspective on life priorities without directly addressing the ongoing family developments.The legal proceedings surrounding these name changes will continue to unfold over the coming months as the scheduled hearings take place.
