What Is Zendaya’s Real Name?
When fans ask “What is Zendaya’s real name?” they are usually looking for the full legal name behind the stage moniker that has become synonymous with talent, style, and advocacy. Zendaya’s full name is Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman. The name reflects a blend of her family’s cultural heritage and personal history, and it has been part of her public identity since she began her career as a child performer.
Early Life and Family Background
Zendaya was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California. Her mother, Claire Stoermer, works as a house manager at the California Shakespeare Theater, and her father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, is a former teacher and current manager. The surname “Stoermer” comes from her mother’s side, while “Coleman” is her father’s family name. The middle name “Maree” is a tribute to her great‑grandmother. Growing up in a multicultural household—her father is African‑American with Nigerian roots, and her mother has German and Scottish ancestry—Zendaya was exposed to a variety of traditions and languages from an early age.
She attended the Oakland School for the Arts, where she studied dance and theater. During her childhood she also worked as a model for brands such as Macy’s, Old Navy, and Limited Too, and she trained as a backup dancer for artists including Selena Gomez. These experiences helped her develop
