Why Malia Obama Dropped Her Last Name, According to Michelle

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has broken her silence on her daughter Malia’s decision to use her middle name, Ann, professionally—dropping the “Obama” surname as she builds her own identity in the film industry.

In a recent podcast interview, Michelle expressed full support for Malia’s choice, highlighting her daughter’s desire to carve out her own path and be recognized for her talents, not her family name.

“It’s very important for my kids to feel like they’ve earned what they are getting in the world,” Michelle said. “They don’t want people to assume that they don’t work hard, that they’re just handed things.”

Malia Ann at Sundance

At just 26 years old, Malia debuted her short film The Heart at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The credits listed her as “Malia Ann,” a deliberate choice to keep the spotlight on her craft rather than her famous lineage.

Michelle explained that both Malia and her younger sister, Sasha, have been deeply intentional about defining themselves outside of the political and cultural shadow of their parents. She noted that while the world may still recognize who Malia is, the name change is symbolic of her independence.

‍‍ President Obama’s Reaction

Barack Obama also weighed in, recalling a conversation with Malia where he teased her about the name change. He said, “You do know they’ll know who you are,” to which Malia replied that she simply wanted her work to stand on its own—without assumptions or special treatment.

A Career in the Making

Malia has steadily built her resume over the past few years. She’s interned with The Weinstein Company, worked on the set of Girls, and joined the writing staff for Donald Glover’s Amazon series Swarm. She’s also directed commercials, including one featuring WNBA star A’ja Wilson, showcasing her evolving vision and voice in the creative world.

Making Her Own Name

Michelle Obama’s reflections reveal a powerful message—not just about parenting, but about the importance of authenticity and hard-earned success. For Malia, dropping her last name isn’t about distancing herself from her family—it’s about stepping out from their shadow and earning recognition for the work she creates.

As Michelle put it, “She’s trying to make her way. And she’s doing it her way.”