Vivienne Jolie-Pitt drops dad Brad's name, becoming fourth sibling to go solo

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt has officially dropped her father Brad Pitt’s famous surname, becoming the fourth of their six children to legally sever the name tie. According to the New York Post ^[1], an Los Angeles judge granted the 18-year-old’s petition during a hearing on Monday, changing her legal name from Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt to Vivienne Marcheline Jolie. The Daily Mail confirmed ^[2] that the decree was signed and filed after her attorney, Peter Kenneth Levine, appeared remotely via LACourtConnect.

The ruling marks the latest chapter in the long-running estrangement between Pitt and Jolie’s children. Vivienne initially filed her petition in July, just days after turning 18, citing “personal” reasons for the change. The Independent reported ^[3] that she is now the fifth child of the former couple to no longer go by “Jolie-Pitt,” following siblings Shiloh, Maddox, and Zahara. Shiloh was the first to legally drop the name in 2024, while Maddox and Zahara had their changes granted earlier this year.

Vivienne had already been publicly using her mother’s surname for over two years. She appeared under the name “Vivienne Jolie” in the program for the Broadway run of The Outsiders in May 2024, where she served as a producer alongside Angelina Jolie. Her twin brother, Knox, also omitted “Pitt” from his high school diploma, though it has not been confirmed if he has legally changed his name.

The name changes unfold against a backdrop of legal turmoil. The Daily Mail noted ^[2] that Pitt views the rift as “deeply painful,” believing Jolie’s role in its unfolding was the “ultimate betrayal.” Meanwhile, the exes remain locked in a separate dispute over their French winery, Château Miraval. Pitt and Jolie split in 2016, with their divorce finally settling in December 2024 after an eight-year battle.

While three siblings have legally shed the name, two sons remain in a different position. Pax, 22, has not filed paperwork to change his name and is reportedly the only child still in contact with Pitt’s family. However, his relationship with his father appears strained; The Independent reported ^[3] that Pax previously called Pitt a “world class asshole” in a social media post. Sources close to Jolie told the Daily Mail ^[2] that the actress is focused on “healing” and respects her children’s decision to handle their matters with decency.