Zendaya Last Name: All About The Story Behind Her Last Name And Why She Rarely Uses It

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, widely known simply as Zendaya, has risen from Disney Channel star to one of the most influential and beloved figures in Hollywood today. With her powerful presence both on-screen and off, Zendaya has captivated audiences, solidified her place in pop culture, and inspired countless fans around the world. But while we all know her by just one name, many still wonder: What’s Zendaya’s last name, and what’s the meaning behind it?

What Is Zendaya’s Last Name and Why Does She Use Only One?

Zendaya on a taut onyx Afro, reminiscent of activist Angela Davis.
Source: Shutterstock
Whe

Zendaya’s full name, as you may have guessed, is not just Zendaya. It’s Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, a name rich in cultural significance. Her middle name, Maree, is a French name passed down from her mother’s side, while her first surname, Stoermer, also honors her mother’s family. The second surname, Coleman, comes from her father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, who reclaimed his African name as part of his personal journey.

But here’s the twist: Zendaya has chosen to go by just her first name professionally. Why? Well, according to Zendaya herself, she thought it sounded cool. In a 2016 interview with Allure, she explained that adopting a mononymous stage name, much like iconic figures such as Cher, Prince, and Beyoncé, was an intentional move. She felt it gave her a unique identity that was both memorable and reflective of her individuality.

Zendaya’s decision to forgo her last name was a personal one. “I just thought it was cool,” she shared, noting that it set her apart and gave her name an iconic status, much like other famous one-name artists.

What Does Zendaya’s Name Represent?

Zendaya.
Source: Getty Images

Zendaya’s name carries a deep meaning, reflecting her African heritage. The name Zendaya comes from the Shona language, spoken by over 12 million people across Zimbabwe and other parts of Southern Africa. The word “Zendaya” translates to “to give thanks,” which is a powerful and meaningful sentiment. It’s an adaptation of the name Tendai, and Zendaya has expressed her pride in having a name that honors both her African roots and her family’s cultural identity.

Her choice of name is a beautiful representation of who she is: someone grounded in history, proud of her heritage, and determined to honor her family’s roots.

From Disney to A-list Superstar

Born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, Zendaya was raised by her mother Claire Stoermer, a former teacher, and her father Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, a former executive and teacher who also served as her manager. Zendaya credits her upbringing for instilling core values in her that she carries with her through all aspects of her life. From a young age, she had a natural flair for performing, and her career began to take shape when she joined the Disney Channel series Shake It Up in 2010. Her role as Rocky Blue propelled her into the spotlight, and her talent was undeniable.

But Zendaya wasn’t content to simply stay within the confines of Disney stardom. She ventured into music with her 2013 single “Replay” and began diversifying her career, which included a memorable win on Dancing with the Stars in 2013. From there, her career only grew, with standout performances in blockbuster films like Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and the Dune franchise (2021), cementing her status as a Hollywood A-lister.

Zendaya also received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in the critically acclaimed HBO series Euphoria, which earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2020, making her the youngest recipient in history.

Zendaya’s Engagement to Tom Holland

“Spider-Man” co-stars Zendaya and Tom Holland are engaged after more than three years of dating.
Source: Joel C Ryan/ Invision/AP

Zendaya’s relationship with her Spider-Man co-star Tom Holland has made headlines worldwide, especially after their engagement in late 2024. According to reports, Tom proposed to Zendaya between Christmas 2024 and New Year’s Eve, seeking her father’s blessing months in advance. Although in january 2025, Zendaya’s Father denies role over Zendaya and Tom Holland’s engagement proposal. The couple’s bond is rooted in both their shared professional experiences and a deep personal connection. Their relationship has been celebrated by fans who adore the chemistry between them, both on-screen and off.

Tom, who refers to Zendaya’s family as “a class act,” expressed his desire to blend their families together as they look toward the future. “That’s what I think we want to do next time,” Holland shared, suggesting a future where both families celebrate the holidays together. Although their professional schedules often keep them busy, the couple remains committed to each other and their families.

Fans are also curious about whether Zendaya will take Tom’s last name once they marry. However, knowing Zendaya’s personal choice to stick to her mononymous stage name, it’s likely she’ll continue to be known simply as Zendaya, regardless of marital status.

Zendaya’s Cultural Significance and Her Role as a Role Model

Zendaya has become more than just a popular actress—she’s a cultural icon. Her advocacy for racial equality, mental health awareness, and body positivity has made her a role model for millions of fans worldwide. Whether she’s speaking out about the importance of representation in Hollywood or encouraging young people to embrace their true selves, Zendaya’s influence goes far beyond the screen.

Zendaya’s personal journey is an inspiring story of breaking barriers, staying true to one’s roots, and using fame to make a difference. Despite her international stardom, she has never forgotten her roots or the values her parents instilled in her. Zendaya’s name, her legacy, and the choices she’s made reflect a dedication to staying grounded while reaching for the stars.

FAQs

What is Zendaya’s last name? Zendaya’s full name is Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, but she uses only her first name professionally.

Why did Zendaya drop her last name? Zendaya dropped her last name because she thought it was “cool,” and it aligns with other famous stars who use mononymous stage names, like Beyoncé and Prince.

What does Zendaya’s name mean? Zendaya’s name means “to give thanks” in the Shona language, a beautiful tribute to her African heritage.

Who is Zendaya engaged to? Zendaya is engaged to Tom Holland, her co-star from the Spider-Man movie franchise.

What are some of Zendaya’s most famous roles? Zendaya is best known for her roles in Euphoria, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and the Dune franchise.

How does Zendaya stay connected to her roots? Zendaya has consistently expressed gratitude for her upbringing and has used her platform to advocate for diversity, mental health, and representation in the entertainment industry.