What Is Gigi Hadid's Real Name?
Gigi Hadid's real name is Jelena Noura Hadid. She is a American model born on April 23, 1995, in Los Angeles, California. Jelena is of Palestinian and Dutch descent on her father's side and of Spanish and Italian descent on her mother's side. Her parents are Yolanda Hadid and Mohamed Hadid, both former real estate developers. She rose to prominence in the mid-2010s for her work with top fashion brands and for her relationship with singer Zayn Malik.
Name Details and Background
Full Birth Name
Jelena Noura Henriss-Bennett Hadid is her complete legal name. She uses the professional first name Gigi, a childhood nickname, in her modeling career.
Heritage and Family Context
Her father is Dutch-Palestinian and her mother is Spanish and Italian. She has two younger sisters, Bella Hadid and Anwar Hadid, both of whom also work in modeling and public life.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Real Name | Jelena Noura Hadid (also known as Jelena Hadid) | Public records, interviews |
| Professional Name | Gigi Hadid | Industry usage |
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1995 | Reputable biographies |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, United States | Public statements |
| Parents | Yolanda Hadid (née van den Herik), Mohamed Hadid | Interviews and family disclosures |
| Siblings | Bella Hadid, Anwar Hadid | Family statements |
Commonly Asked Questions
- Is Gigi Hadid her legal name? She uses Gigi professionally; her legal first name is Jelena.
- What is her middle name? Her middle name is Noura.
- Where was she born? She was born in Los Angeles, California.
- Does she use a stage name? Yes, Gigi Hadid is her professional name derived from a childhood nickname.
Name Usage in Media and Profession
In media, advertising, and social platforms, Jelena is widely recognized as Gigi Hadid. The nickname became her public identity and is used by agencies, brands, and fans. She has clarified in interviews that Gigi is short for her birth name, and this professional usage has been consistent throughout her career.
Personal Life Context
Hadid was in a high-profile relationship with Zayn Malik from 2015 to 2018 and has since maintained a strong public presence through modeling, activism, and entrepreneurial ventures. She took extended breaks from modeling in 2017 and 2022 to focus on health and personal matters, which have been documented in reputable sources.
Key Career Milestones
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Signed with IMG Models | Launched professional modeling career |
| 2014–2015 | Breakout campaigns (e.g., Tom Ford, Guess) | Established mainstream recognition |
| 2016 | Victoria's Secret Angel | Major career milestone |
| 2018 | Relationship with Zayn Malik widely covered | Increased global media attention |
| 2022 | Hiatus for health and personal priorities | Public focus on wellness and boundaries |
Public Persona and Legacy
Jelena Noura Hadid, known as Gigi Hadid, is recognized for her influence in fashion, her business ventures, and her openness about personal challenges. She has leveraged her platform to discuss mental health, boundaries, and self-advocacy. Her real name and heritage are consistently referenced in profiles that aim to explain her background and career longevity.