Zayn Malik is undoubtedly one of the most successful singers in One Direction. While he gained success soon after dropping his first track, fans weren’t aware of his real name back then. It never came to anyone’s mind before, but the question: ‘Why did Zayn Malik change his name?’ has become the most talked-about subject.

Is ‘Zayn’ the singer’s stage name? Plenty of questions run through people’s minds. However, it won’t affect his popularity. That’s because British singer Zayn Malik once again hit the limelight after dropping his latest album, Room Under the Stairs. Let’s ease his fans’ curiosity about his real name while his album makes waves.

Why Did Zayn Malik’s Change His Name?

Zayn Malik was born on January 12, 1993, as Zain Javadd Malik. His name was actually spelled with ‘i’ instead of ‘y.’ However, he changed his name a little when auditioning for X Factor. Although there wasn’t much information about Zayn Malik’s real name back then, the singer revealed the reason behind this change.

In an interview, the Pillowtalk singer revealed that he adopted ‘y’ as it suited his stage personality. So, instead of going with his birth name, Zain, the Entertainer singer changed it to Zayn.

In addition, Zayn Malik didn’t opt for his second name as it didn’t go well with his stage personality. While the singer is now worldwide famous as Zayn Malik, he was born Zain Javadd Malik.

Is Zayn Malik From Pakistan?

Zayn Malik was born to a British Pakistani father, Yaser, and an English mother, Tricia Malik nee Branan. This soon led many to wonder whether Zayn Malik is from Pakistan. However, he isn’t from Pakistan; he was born and raised in Bradford. Zayn also has three sisters named Doniya, Waliyha, and Safaa.

As for his school life, Zayn attended Tong High School, where his friends called him ‘Z.’ The singer told Glamour that he was quite hyperactive when he was little, which caused problems in his parents’ lives. However, with time, he became a more peace-loving person.

What Is The Story Behind Zayn Malik’s Walter Tattoo?

Zayn Malik’s tattoos have always been the subject of discussion. Well, there’s no denying that, as he has over 60 ink designs all over his body. However, one of the famous designs, Walter’s tattoo, is closer to him, which he inked on his chest. That’s because Walter was her grandfather’s name, and he passed away during his time on The X Factor.

So, in his tribute, he inked his granddad’s name in Arabic on his chest. Well, most of Zayn’s tattoos are in Arabic only. He also has his father’s ‘Yaser’ name inked on the backside of his ears, and there’s plenty more to come.

Why Did Zayn Become The Ambassador For Bradford’s City Of Culture?

In March 2024, Zayn Malik was announced as the ambassador for Bradford’s City of Culture 2025. He was born and raised in Bradford and even revealed in a video statement that his roots and family remain in Bradford, no matter how far he goes. To mark the City of Culture celebrations, Zayn Malik has to attend almost 1,000 shows, events, and exhibitions.

In addition to this, Zayn stated that Bradford has a special place in his heart and is happy that finally “it (Bradford) being recognised as the UK City of Culture for 2025.” Besides this, the creative director of Bradford 2025, Shanaz Gulzar, stated that Zayn’s involvement will boost the city’s profile.

In addition, Zayn was spotted supporting Bradford’s football team instead of his favorite soccer team, Manchester United. However, he has now deleted the snap.

The X Factor Changed Zayn Malik’s Life

Zayn Malik initially applied for the 2009 X Factor. He got nervous before the audition and eventually pulled out of the show. However, the singer returned the following year, which later changed everything. Although his audition wasn’t shown on the main show, it later appeared on the spin-off The Xtra Factor.

But the What I Am singer was eliminated soon. However, his life changed when Simon brought Zayn Malik, Louis, Harry, Liam, and Niall as a wild card entry as the band One Direction. Though the boy band didn’t win, it became one of the hit boy bands back then.

Soon, they dropped their first album, Up All Night. While it came out as a banger, the boy band later released four more albums: Take Me Home, Midnight Memories, Four, and Made In The A.M. The Bang disbanded back in 2016. It was a hard time as the band disbanded just a year after Zayn left the group.

Well, Zayn still regrets his decision. In a recent interview, he said he regretted leaving the band so early and not enjoying his time in a boy band. However, he wanted to leave first and start his solo journey. So, he did what he desired back then.

Zayn Malik’s Solo Journey

After leaving One Direction, Zayn revealed that he wanted to take time to spend more like a normal 22-year-old. However, instead, he dropped his first track, Pillowtalk. It soon became the number one in the UK. Later, he collaborated with Taylor Swift on his biggest banger, I Don’t Wanna Live Forever.

The song appeared on the ‘Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack and soon won Best Collaboration at the 2017 MTV VMA and 2017 MTV Millennial Awards. He also received three nominations for the BRIT Awards. It quickly upturned her career, making Zayn Malik one of this generation’s most popular pop stars.

Zayn Malik’s Net Worth

Zayn Malik started his solo journey earlier than the rest of the One Direction members. However, he is the second richest member of the boy band, with a net worth of around $75 million. He recently dropped his fourth album, Room Under The Stairs. While it remains unclear how much the album contributed to his wealth, it would definitely boost his net worth.

Malik has amassed huge wealth from his fashion show appearances, movies, and albums. While the singer took a long break from his career, he is back to storm the music industry. This is all about the One Direction alum and Zayn Malik’s real name. Stay with Soap Opera Daily for more such updates.