Zendaya Full Last Name

Zendaya’s Full Last Name: Understanding the Star’s Identity

When the name Zendaya appears in headlines, audiences instantly recognize the multi‑talented actress, singer, and fashion icon. Yet many fans and casual readers wonder, what is Zendaya’s full last name? This article explores her complete legal name, the origins of her surname, and why she chooses to be known simply as “Zendaya.”

Early Life and Family Background

Zendaya Maree Stoermer‑Cole was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California. Her mother, Claire Stoermer, is a former dancer, and her father, Kazembe “Kaz” Coleman, was a former professional football player. Both parents are of African‑American descent, and her father’s surname, Coleman, is the name most commonly associated with Zendaya’s family.

Why “Coleman” Matters

The Coleman surname reflects a lineage that traces back to the southern United States, where many African‑American families adopted the names of former slave owners or chose new surnames after emancipation. While Zendaya has never publicly emphasized her family’s genealogy, the name remains a part of her legal identity.

The Birth of a Mononym: “Zendaya”

From the start of her career, the young performer used only her first name. In 2010, when she landed the role of Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel series “Shake It Up,” the network marketed her as “Zendaya,” a single‑word brand that was both memorable and marketable. This mononym strategy aligns with several other entertainment icons—Madonna, Beyoncé, and Prince—who have successfully built global recognition without a surname.

Despite the mononym, official documents, contracts, and award nominations list her as “Zendaya Maree Coleman.” The entertainment industry’s preference for a single name does not alter her legal surname, which appears on her passport, driver’s license, and tax filings.

Zendaya’s Full Legal Name

In full, the star’s name reads:

First name: Zendaya
Middle name: Maree
Last name (surname): Coleman

Therefore, the answer to the keyword query “Zendaya full last name” is Coleman. This fact is confirmed by reputable sources such as the Hollywood Reporter, legal filings related to her production company, and interviews where she has referenced her father’s surname.