Angelina Jolie is the mother of six children, each with a different personality, background and individual interests. The Hollywood actress shares her six children with her former husband, Brad Pitt. Their family includes three adopted children, Maddox, Pax and Zahara, and three biological children, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne.
The topic of Angelina Jolie children attracts considerable interest because of the family’s international background, Hollywood connections and changing family circumstances. Although their parents are internationally recognised actors, the six children have developed different interests and have gradually established lives beyond their parents’ careers.
This article explores who Angelina Jolie’s children are, their ages, birth backgrounds, adoption stories, education, professional interests and relationships with their famous parents. It also explains the latest publicly reported developments concerning their surnames.
Who Is Angelina Jolie?
Angelina Jolie is an American actress, filmmaker and humanitarian known for her work in Hollywood and international charitable activities. Born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, she grew up in a family connected to the entertainment industry.
Her father, Jon Voight, is an established actor, while her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, was an actress and producer.
Jolie became internationally recognised through films such as Girl, Interrupted, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Wanted and Maleficent. Her acting career earned her several major awards, including an Academy Award.
Beyond acting, Jolie has worked on humanitarian issues involving refugees, children’s rights and education. Her experiences travelling internationally also influenced her approach to motherhood and adoption.
She began building her family before her relationship with Brad Pitt became widely known. Over the years, she welcomed six children from different backgrounds and countries.
How Many Children Does Angelina Jolie Have?
Angelina Jolie has six children. She shares all six with Brad Pitt, although three joined the family through international adoption and three were born to the former couple.
Their names, in birth order, are:
- Maddox Chivan Jolie
- Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt
- Zahara Marley Jolie
- Shiloh Nouvel Jolie
- Knox Léon Jolie-Pitt
- Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt
As of October 2026, all six children are adults. Their ages range from 18 to 25.
Jolie has often spoken about the importance of respecting her children’s individual personalities and allowing them to discover their own interests rather than expecting them to follow their parents’ professional paths.
Angelina Jolie Children: Names, Ages and Background
Each of Angelina Jolie’s children has a different story. Some were adopted from other countries, while others were born during her relationship with Brad Pitt.
The following table provides a general overview of the family.
| Child | Birth date | Age in October 2026 | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maddox | August 5, 2001 | 25 | Adopted from Cambodia |
| Pax | November 29, 2003 | 22 | Adopted from Vietnam |
| Zahara | January 8, 2005 | 21 | Adopted from Ethiopia |
| Shiloh | May 27, 2006 | 20 | Biological daughter |
| Knox | July 12, 2008 | 18 | Biological son |
| Vivienne | July 12, 2008 | 18 | Biological daughter |
The family represents different cultures and backgrounds, something Jolie has discussed as an important part of raising her children.
Maddox Chivan Jolie: Angelina Jolie’s Eldest Child
Maddox Chivan Jolie is Angelina Jolie’s eldest child. He was born on August 5, 2001, in Cambodia and was adopted by Jolie in March 2002.
His adoption was an important milestone in Jolie’s life because it marked the beginning of her journey into motherhood.
Maddox spent part of his childhood travelling internationally with his mother and siblings. As he grew older, he developed an interest in education and filmmaking.
He attended Yonsei University in South Korea, where he studied biochemistry. His university experience attracted attention because he chose an academic path outside the usual Hollywood environment.
Maddox has also gained experience working in film production. He worked as an assistant director on projects connected to his mother’s filmmaking career, including Couture.
His involvement behind the camera suggests an interest in understanding the practical side of filmmaking rather than simply becoming an actor.
In September 2026, a Los Angeles judge approved his request to change his legal name from Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt to Maddox Chivan Jolie.
His professional interests and educational background demonstrate that he is developing his own identity beyond his mother’s international fame.
Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt: A Son With an Interest in Photography and Film
Pax Thien was born on November 29, 2003, in Vietnam. Angelina Jolie adopted him in March 2007, when he was approximately three years old.
He joined the family after Maddox and Zahara had already become part of Jolie’s household.
Pax has generally maintained a relatively private lifestyle compared with some other members of the family. Nevertheless, he has occasionally appeared alongside his mother and siblings at public events.
Photography and filmmaking are among his reported interests. He has also gained experience around film production, including working on projects connected to Jolie.
In interviews published in September 2026, Jolie discussed how Maddox and Pax had both worked in assistant-director roles and explored other interests.
She described her approach as supporting their individual ambitions rather than deciding their careers for them.
Pax’s interest in creative work provides an example of how some of Jolie’s children have developed connections to the entertainment industry without necessarily pursuing traditional acting careers.
Zahara Marley Jolie: Education and Personal Development
Zahara Marley Jolie was born on January 8, 2005, in Ethiopia. Jolie adopted her in July 2005, when she was approximately six months old.
Zahara became the second child to join Jolie’s family, following Maddox.
Her educational journey has received public attention, particularly because of her connection with Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Spelman College is a historically Black women’s college with a long-standing reputation for academic achievement and leadership development.
Zahara joined the institution and became involved in its student community. She also became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically Black sorority.
In May 2026, she graduated from Spelman College, marking an important educational achievement.
Jolie has spoken positively about her daughter’s experience at the college and described the institution as a meaningful part of their family journey.
Zahara has also publicly used the surname Jolie rather than Jolie-Pitt. In September 2026, her legal request to change her name to Zahara Marley Jolie was approved by a judge.
Her education and involvement in university life demonstrate an interest in developing her own experiences outside the entertainment industry.
Shiloh Nouvel Jolie: Angelina Jolie’s First Biological Child
Shiloh Nouvel Jolie was born on May 27, 2006, in Swakopmund, Namibia. She was the first biological child of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
Her birth attracted international media attention because her parents were among Hollywood’s most recognised celebrities.
Unlike her older siblings, who joined the family through adoption, Shiloh was born during Jolie and Pitt’s relationship.
As she grew older, Shiloh attracted public attention for her interest in dance. Videos and reports showing her participation in dance training generated interest among entertainment audiences.
However, she has largely maintained a private lifestyle and has not established a full-time public acting career.
One of the most widely reported developments involving Shiloh concerned her surname.
After turning 18 in May 2024, she filed a legal request to remove Pitt from her surname. The court approved the request in August 2024, allowing her to use the name Shiloh Nouvel Jolie.
This decision was a personal legal matter, and it is important not to assume that it represents the feelings or decisions of every member of the family.
Knox Léon Jolie-Pitt: One of the Family’s Twins
Knox Léon was born on July 12, 2008, in Nice, France. He is one of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s biological twins.
Knox shares his birthday with his twin sister, Vivienne Marcheline.
As one of the youngest members of the family, Knox spent much of his childhood away from the centre of Hollywood’s entertainment industry.
He has occasionally appeared with his mother and siblings at public events, but he generally maintains a low public profile.
There has been public interest in his education and future plans as he reached adulthood in 2026.
Some reports have indicated that he used the name Knox Jolie on his high-school graduation materials. However, there has been no confirmed public record of a completed legal surname change as of October 2026.
Unlike his mother and father, Knox has not publicly established a professional entertainment career.
His future interests and career direction remain personal matters.
Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt: The Youngest Daughter
Vivienne Marcheline was born on July 12, 2008, in Nice, France, alongside her twin brother, Knox.
She is the youngest daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
Vivienne has had some involvement in creative projects connected to her mother. One notable example was her participation in the Broadway production of The Outsiders, which Jolie helped produce.
She was credited as a production assistant in the show’s Playbill under the name Vivienne Jolie.
Her involvement provided an opportunity to experience theatre production from behind the scenes.
Vivienne has also attracted attention because of her connection to the entertainment industry, but she has not established a conventional acting career.
After turning 18 in July 2026, she filed a legal petition seeking to change her name from Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt to Vivienne Marcheline Jolie.
As of October 2026, the request is awaiting its scheduled court hearing in November.
Her decision should be understood as an individual legal matter rather than an invitation to speculate about her private relationships.
Are Angelina Jolie’s Children Adopted or Biological?
One of the most common questions about Angelina Jolie’s family concerns adoption.
The answer is straightforward: three of her children were adopted internationally, while the other three were born to Jolie and Brad Pitt.
The adopted children are Maddox, Pax and Zahara. Their countries of origin are Cambodia, Vietnam and Ethiopia, respectively.
Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne are the biological children of Jolie and Pitt.
| Child | Adoption or birth | Country of origin |
|---|---|---|
| Maddox | Adopted | Cambodia |
| Pax | Adopted | Vietnam |
| Zahara | Adopted | Ethiopia |
| Shiloh | Biological | Namibia |
| Knox | Biological | France |
| Vivienne | Biological | France |
Jolie has discussed adoption as a meaningful part of her family life. She has also emphasised the importance of respecting her adopted children’s original backgrounds and maintaining connections with their cultural roots.
Her family demonstrates that parenthood can develop through different experiences, including biological relationships and international adoption.
How Did Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Raise Their Children?
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt became one of Hollywood’s most recognised couples after beginning their relationship in the mid-2000s.
Their family expanded through adoption and the births of their biological children. During their relationship, they travelled frequently and appeared together at major entertainment events.
However, the couple separated in 2016, and their divorce proceedings continued for several years. Their divorce settlement was finalised in December 2024.
Despite the public attention surrounding their separation, both parents have remained connected to the family’s story.
Jolie has spoken about supporting her children’s interests and allowing them to develop independently.
Her parenting approach has included encouraging education, creativity, cultural awareness and personal development.
Some of her children have explored filmmaking, while others have focused on education or creative activities.
The family’s experience also highlights an important consideration: children of famous parents do not necessarily want to follow the same professional path.
Why Have Some of Angelina Jolie’s Children Changed Their Surnames?
The surnames of Angelina Jolie’s children have become a subject of public discussion following the separation of Jolie and Brad Pitt.
For many years, several children were publicly identified using the combined surname Jolie-Pitt.
However, some have taken legal steps to use Jolie instead.
As of October 2026, the publicly reported developments include:
- Shiloh: Legally changed her name to Shiloh Jolie in August 2024.
- Maddox: Legally changed his name to Maddox Chivan Jolie in September 2026.
- Zahara: Received court approval to become Zahara Marley Jolie in September 2026.
- Vivienne: Filed a petition to become Vivienne Marcheline Jolie, with a hearing scheduled for November 2026.
- Pax: No publicly confirmed legal surname change.
- Knox: Has reportedly used Jolie in some informal contexts, but no confirmed legal name change.
These developments are personal decisions involving individual members of the family.
It is important to distinguish between a legal name change, a professional credit and an informal use of a surname. They are not necessarily the same thing.
What Are Angelina Jolie’s Children Doing Today?
Angelina Jolie’s six children have different interests, and not all of them are pursuing careers in entertainment.
Their publicly reported activities include education, filmmaking, photography, dance and theatre production.
The following overview summarises some of their known interests.
| Child | Publicly reported interests or activities |
|---|---|
| Maddox | Film production, assistant directing and aviation |
| Pax | Photography and film production |
| Zahara | Higher education and university activities |
| Shiloh | Dance and creative interests |
| Knox | Maintains a largely private lifestyle |
| Vivienne | Theatre and production work |
In a September 2026 interview, Jolie discussed how her older sons had gained practical experience in film production. She also mentioned Maddox’s interest in aviation and Pax’s photography.
Her comments reflected a parenting philosophy centred on independence and personal discovery.
Although public information about some of the children’s activities is limited, this should not be interpreted as a lack of ambition or achievement.
Each individual has the right to choose how much of their life they wish to share publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children does Angelina Jolie have?
Angelina Jolie has six children with her former husband Brad Pitt. Their names are Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne.
What are the ages of Angelina Jolie’s children in 2026?
As of October 2026, Maddox is 25, Pax is 22, Zahara is 21, Shiloh is 20, and twins Knox and Vivienne are both 18.
Which of Angelina Jolie’s children are adopted?
Three of her children are adopted: Maddox from Cambodia, Pax from Vietnam and Zahara from Ethiopia. Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne are her biological children.
Who is Angelina Jolie’s oldest child?
Maddox Chivan Jolie is Angelina Jolie’s oldest child. He was born on August 5, 2001, in Cambodia and was adopted by Jolie in March 2002.
Who are Angelina Jolie’s twins?
Angelina Jolie’s twins are Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline. They were born on July 12, 2008, in Nice, France.
Are Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt still married?
No. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt separated in 2016. Their divorce settlement was finalised in December 2024.
Which of Angelina Jolie’s children have dropped the Pitt surname?
Shiloh, Maddox and Zahara have legally changed their names to remove Pitt. Vivienne has also filed a legal petition seeking the same change, while Pax and Knox have no publicly confirmed completed legal name changes as of October 2026.
Does Angelina Jolie’s daughter Zahara attend college?
Zahara attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated in May 2026 and has also been involved in the college’s student community.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s six children have different backgrounds, interests and personal journeys. Maddox, Pax and Zahara joined the family through international adoption, while Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne were born during Jolie’s relationship with Brad Pitt.
Their experiences include higher education, filmmaking, photography, dance and theatre production. Although their family has received considerable media attention, the children have increasingly developed individual identities beyond their parents’ celebrity status.
The story of Angelina Jolie children is ultimately about a family with different cultural roots, personal ambitions and experiences. Their future careers and personal choices will continue to develop independently, and respecting their privacy remains important.
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