Zendaya's Legal Name and Stage Name
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman is her full legal name. She uses only Zendaya professionally because her stage name is a single word derived from her first name and a shortened version of her mother's name, Cloie. This choice aligns with industry practice where a single-word name improves brand recognition and search visibility. The name Zendaya is also a Shona word meaning "to give thanks," which she has cited in interviews and public appearances Forbes biography.
In legal and contractual documents, such as those filed with the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, she is registered as Zendaya. This means her official credits list only one name, which removes the need for a last name in most industry databases and public-facing materials.
Why Zendaya Does Not Use a Surname in Public
Many actors and musicians drop their surname to create a distinct, easy-to-remember brand. Zendaya's single-name identity works well for global marketing, merchandise, and social media handles. Using only one name reduces confusion in search results and makes her official accounts more discoverable Instagram official.
Her lack of a public last name also simplifies copyright and trademark filings. A single-word name is easier to protect across entertainment, fashion, and endorsement categories. This strategy is common among artists who want a clean, unified identity across films, music, and brand partnerships.
How Zendaya's Name Appears on Official Records
Contracts, Union Registrations, and Legal Filings
On union registration and contract documents, Zendaya appears under her full legal name Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman when legal identity is required. However, her professional credits and public-facing materials use only Zendaya. This dual usage is standard in the entertainment industry, where legal names and stage names often differ.
Public records, such as California entertainment filings and press materials from studios and agencies, consistently list her as Zendaya without a surname. This practice reinforces her single-name brand and ensures that search engines, databases, and fan communities recognize her primarily by that one word.