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Fanning Sisters Reveal Birth Names Amid Upcoming Film

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Hannah Dakota Fanning and Mary Elle Fanning, known as Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, are the Fanning sisters who have long used their middle names.
Elle Fanning said using middle names caused confusion during school roll calls.
Fans expressed surprise online after learning the sisters' birth names.
They will star in The Nightingale, a film about siblings in Nazi-occupied France, set for release in February 2027.

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Story summary

Hannah Dakota Fanning and Mary Elle Fanning, known as Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, are the Fanning sisters who have long used their middle names.
Elle Fanning said using middle names caused confusion during school roll calls.
Fans expressed surprise online after learning the sisters' birth names.
They will star in The Nightingale, a film about siblings in Nazi-occupied France, set for release in February 2027.