Michelle Obama reveals daughter Malia Obama's name change

Jun 10, 2025 Khushi Kumari

At 26, Malia Obama is now professionally known as “Malia Ann”, using her middle name to establish her own identity

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Her new name honors her late grandmother, Ann Dunham, reflecting a personal and meaningful tribute

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Malia used “Malia Ann” in her directorial credits for her short film The Heart, showcased at Sundance 2024

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Michelle Obama praised her daughter’s decision on the Sibling Revelry podcast, emphasizing the importance of independence

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Michelle explained both daughters “want to be their own people” and earn success without assumptions

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Barack Obama humorously noted that while people will still know it’s her, he respects her goal of unbiased reception

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Malia’s change is seen as resisting the “nepo‑baby” label, proving herself in Hollywood through her work

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Her film The Heart explores grief and connection and marks the start of a promising creative journey

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