Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, has been steadily building her own career in the creative world — and she recently made a thoughtful change in how she presents herself professionally. She now goes by “Malia Ann,” choosing to use her middle name as she continues developing her work in film and storytelling.
Her decision is not about distancing herself from her family, but about establishing her own identity in an industry where well-known names can bring added attention and expectations. By using “Malia Ann,” she encourages audiences and colleagues to focus on her abilities, ideas, and creativity. It reflects her desire for independence and a clear path defined by her work rather than her background.
Malia Ann has already made notable progress in Hollywood. She contributed as a writer to Donald Glover’s series Swarm and has been working on original projects that explore themes such as personal growth, relationships, and finding one’s place in the world. Her writing has been praised for its thoughtful perspective and her dedication to storytelling.
While she will always be connected to a prominent public family, choosing to work under “Malia Ann” highlights her commitment to developing her own voice. It marks an important step in being recognized not simply by her family name, but as a creator with her own vision and talent. Her path shows that even those raised in the public eye can take meaningful steps to shape their own futures.