For years, Zendaya has become a household name using only one name, much like Drake or Beyoncé. The industry and her fans only refer to her as Zendaya, so we’re lifting the curtains on the actress’ full identity. Surprisingly, the actress has not one, but two surnames and even a middle name. In fact, her entire name carries cultural meaning and significance. Find out what Zendaya’s last name is and more, below!
What Is Zendaya’s Last Name?
The actress’ full name is Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman. She is the daughter of Claire Marie Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu. Her dad, who was born as Samuel David Coleman, later reclaimed his African name instead.
Zendaya’s first name serves as her stage name. Her middle name Maree, as well as her first surname Stoermer, is the same as her mother’s. Her second surname Coleman is her father’s last name.
Why Does Zendaya Only Go by Her First Name?
Zendaya shared her intentional reasoning behind only going by her first name with Allure. “I [dropped my last name because I] just thought it was cool, like Cher or Prince,” she told the outlet in 2016.
What Is the Meaning of Zendaya’s Name?
The name Zendaya means “to give thanks” in the Shona language, and its the adaptation of the name Tendai. Shona is spoken by more than 12 million people in Africa.
What Is the Cultural Significance of Zendaya’s Name?
The actress’ first name is African. Her middle name is French, but it is written out in African spelling. The name has roots derived from a Bantu ethnic group in Zimbabwe.
What Films or TV series Was Zendaya in?
Most recently, Zendaya stared in the movie Challengers and in Dune‘s film franchise. She was also cast in The Greatest Showman and the Spider-Man movie franchise. Zendaya gained major popularity after participating in the TV series Euphoria. She got her start in the entertainment industry by being one of Disney Channel’s young actors.
Who Is Zendaya Engaged to?
The star is engaged to actor Tom Holland, and the lovebirds have been in a relationship for more than five years. They romantically met during their audition for Spider-Man: Homecoming, in which they fittingly played each other’s love interest, and the soon after the chemistry continued playing off-set too.
