Zahara Marley Jolie sparks attention after using shortened name at graduation
The 21-year-old completed her degree in psychology at Spelman College
Zahara Marley Jolie drew attention at her college graduation after being announced under a shortened version of her surname, sparking renewed public interest in how she chooses to present her family name.
The 21-year-old graduated from Spelman College during its 139th commencement ceremony held in Atlanta on May 17, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
While the official graduation program listed her as “Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt,” she was announced onstage as “Zahara Marley Jolie” when receiving her diploma, notably omitting “Pitt” from her surname in the public ceremony.
The variation immediately drew attention, as it marked a more streamlined public presentation of her name compared to earlier official listings.
Zahara is the daughter of Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and has occasionally used different versions of her surname in public appearances over the years.
This is not the first time she has used “Zahara Marley Jolie” in a formal setting. In November 2023, she introduced herself using that version while joining the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, reflecting a pattern of selectively simplifying her public identity.
She has also appeared alongside her mother at public events, including a 2024 charity brunch where she spoke warmly about their close relationship and family background.
“Our love for each other is a found one,” she said at the event. “I was adopted at 6 months old and given some of the most special and loving people as my siblings.”
Despite public interest in her surname choices, Zahara has largely maintained a low-profile academic life while completing her studies at Spelman College, a historically Black liberal arts institution known for its strong emphasis on leadership and community engagement.
