You’ve seen them grow up. It’s weird, right? One minute they’re little girls in matching coats on an inauguration stage, and the next, they’re basically running Hollywood and living adult lives in Los Angeles. Most of us feel like we know them, but when it comes down to the basics—like Michelle Obama’s daughters names—there is actually a lot of confusion and a few secrets that usually stay under the radar.
Honestly, the names we use for them aren't even their full names.
Most people just say "Malia and Sasha." It’s a rhythmic pair. It flows. But if you’re looking at a legal document or a film credit in 2026, you might not see "Sasha Obama" anywhere. That’s because Sasha isn’t her real name. It’s a nickname that became a global brand.
The Mystery of Natasha: Why We Say Sasha Instead
Let’s clear the air on the biggest naming "secret" in the Obama family. The younger daughter, whom the world knows as Sasha, was actually born Natasha Marian Obama.
She was born on June 10, 2001, in Chicago. The name "Sasha" is actually a common Russian diminutive for Natasha, though many Americans didn't realize that until she was already a teenager. It basically became her public identity. Imagine being seven years old, moving into the White House, and having the entire world call you by your nickname while your legal name sits quietly in the background.
Her middle name, Marian, is a direct tribute to her grandmother, Marian Robinson. Mrs. Robinson was the "First Grandmother," living in the White House to help raise the girls while Barack and Michelle handled, well, the leader of the free world stuff. It’s a heavy name. It carries a lot of family history and Chicago grit.
Malia Ann: Dropping the Famous Last Name
Then there’s the older sister. Born on the Fourth of July in 1998, her full name is Malia Ann Obama.
For years, she was just Malia. But lately, she’s been making moves that have people talking about her name all over again. In the professional world of film and television, she has started going by Malia Ann.
No "Obama."
She’s a filmmaker now. She directed a short film called The Heart that made waves at Sundance. When the credits rolled, it didn't say "Directed by Malia Obama." It said "Malia Ann."
People on the internet had a lot of opinions about this. Some called it "nepo baby" rebranding, but if you look closer, it’s kinda the opposite. She’s trying to let her work stand on its own. It’s a bold move when your last name is literally one of the most recognizable words on the planet. Her father even mentioned on a podcast recently that his daughters go out of their way to not "leverage" their name. They want to earn it.
Why the Names Matter More in 2026
In 2026, the Obama sisters aren't just "the kids" anymore. They are women in their mid-20s carving out very specific identities.
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Malia is 27. Sasha is 24.
They live together in Los Angeles. Think about that for a second. Growing up in the most famous house in the world, with Secret Service agents—who literally had code names for them like "Radiance" and "Rosebud"—and then choosing to still be roommates as adults. It says a lot about the bond Michelle and Barack fostered.
The names they choose to use now—whether it’s Malia Ann or just Sasha—reflect a desire for a "normal" life that was never really possible for them as children. They grew up in a fishbowl. Now, they're the ones behind the glass, or in Malia’s case, behind the camera.
Behind the Secret Service Code Names
While we're talking about Michelle Obama’s daughters names, we have to mention the names they didn't choose.
The Secret Service doesn't use birth names for protection. It’s too easy to intercept. Instead, the whole family had "R" names.
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- Barack was Renegade.
- Michelle was Renaissance.
- Malia was Radiance.
- Sasha was Rosebud.
It’s almost poetic. But it also highlights the weird duality of their lives. To the world, they were Malia and Sasha. To the government, they were Radiance and Rosebud. To their friends, they’re just Malia and... well, Natasha, if you’re really in the inner circle.
A Quick Reality Check on the "Name Changes"
There’s a lot of fake news out there claiming they’ve legally changed their names to distance themselves from their parents.
That’s basically nonsense.
Using a middle name professionally or a nickname socially isn't a legal rejection of your family. It’s just how you navigate being a person when your dad was the 44th President. Michelle has been very open about this, saying she understands why they want to be seen as individuals. They spent eight years being "the daughters." Now they just want to be themselves.
What to Remember About the Obama Sisters
If you’re trying to keep the facts straight, here is the breakdown of what really matters about their identities:
- Malia Ann Obama: Elder daughter, Harvard grad, filmmaker, currently uses "Malia Ann" for her professional credits to keep the focus on her art.
- Natasha "Sasha" Marian Obama: Younger daughter, University of Southern California (USC) grad, known to the world as Sasha, but Natasha on her birth certificate.
- The Chicago Roots: Both were born at the University of Chicago Medical Center, delivered by a family friend, Dr. Anita Blanchard.
- The LA Chapter: Both sisters moved to the West Coast after college, opting for the creative energy of California over the political landscape of D.C. or the high-speed chase of New York.
Moving Forward
Next time you see a headline about them, look at the byline or the credit. You might see Malia Ann. You might hear someone refer to Natasha. These aren't just labels; they're the way two young women are reclaiming their lives after a childhood spent in the public eye.
If you're following their careers, the best thing to do is look for their work under these "new" old names. Malia’s directorial projects are the ones to watch if you’re into indie film, and Sasha continues to stay a bit more private, though she’s often spotted in the Los Angeles creative scene.
The names are simple, but the people behind them are anything but. They've managed to do something almost impossible: grow up in the White House and come out the other side as grounded, working adults. Whether they go by Malia, Sasha, Natasha, or Ann, they’re clearly doing it on their own terms.