Zendaya, the talented actress and singer, is known for her unique name. However, many people are often curious about when she changed her name and why. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story behind Zendaya’s name change.
The Birth of Zendaya
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California. Her parents, Claire Marie (Stoermer) and Kazembe Ajamu (Coleman), gave her the name Zendaya, which means “to give thanks” in the Shona language of Zimbabwe.
From a young age, Zendaya showed immense talent and passion for performing arts. She started her career as a child model and dancer before making a breakthrough in the entertainment industry.
The Name Change
In 2009, when Zendaya was just 13 years old, she decided to change her name for professional reasons. The decision came about when she joined the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), which required her to have a unique name that no other member already had.
To comply with SAG regulations and stand out from other actors with similar names, Zendaya dropped her last name “Coleman” and started going by only her first name professionally.
The Impact of the Name Change
Zendaya’s decision to change her name proved to be a significant turning point in her career. By adopting a single moniker, she created a memorable brand that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The new name allowed Zendaya to establish herself as an individual artist rather than being associated with her family background or heritage. It provided her with a fresh start and opened doors to new opportunities.
Bold Career Moves
With her new name, Zendaya embarked on a successful acting career. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Rocky Blue in the Disney Channel series “Shake It Up” alongside Bella Thorne.
Zendaya further solidified her reputation as a versatile actress by starring in various movies and TV shows, including “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and the HBO drama series “Euphoria.”
Music and Fashion
Aside from acting, Zendaya also ventured into music and fashion. Under her first name, she released several successful singles, such as “Replay” and “Something New.”
Zendaya’s unique sense of style has made her a fashion icon. She has graced numerous red carpets with her bold fashion choices, earning praise for her ability to effortlessly pull off any look.
In Conclusion
Zendaya changed her name in 2009 when she began her professional journey in the entertainment industry. By dropping her last name and using only her first name, she created a distinct identity that has become synonymous with talent, versatility, and style.
Through strategic career moves and artistic endeavors, Zendaya has proven that a name change can often be instrumental in shaping one’s path to success. Today, she continues to inspire millions with her remarkable performances both on-screen and off-screen.