Growing up famous does not always guarantee long-term success, especially when a parent’s name sets high expectations. Some celebrity kids have turned early exposure into careers that now draw more public attention than their parents. A January 2026 study by Kaiia, based on Google Trends data, social media metrics, net worth estimates, and awards tracking, highlights how that shift has played out across Hollywood families.
Here are seven celebrity kids who are now more famous than their parents.
1. Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson grew up surrounded by Hollywood through her parents, Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. She built her own audience after landing a breakout role in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise. That role introduced her to a generation of viewers separate from her parents’ fan base.
According to the Kaiia study, Dakota Johnson has consistently drawn more public attention than her parents, Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, based on weekly search data since 2021.
Dakota has led public search interest over both parents every single week since 2021. She also has millions more social media followers than her parents combined. While her net worth is lower, her visibility and consistency place her ahead.
2. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus followed her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, into music but chose a different creative direction early on. She moved from country to pop and reshaped her image as her career evolved. That shift helped her connect with a much broader global audience.
The Kaiia study found that Miley Cyrus has outpaced her father Billy Ray Cyrus in public interest for nearly every week over the past five years.
By 2026, Miley’s career value will far exceed her father’s earnings. She has dominated weekly search interest for nearly five years straight. Awards, touring, and continued releases have kept her firmly in public view.
3. Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid entered modeling after watching her mother, Yolanda Hadid, succeed in the industry. While Yolanda earned more during her own career, Gigi reached a much wider audience. Social media played a major role in expanding her visibility.
According to the Kaiia study, Gigi Hadid receives more consistent public attention than her mother Yolanda Hadid, driven by search trends and social media reach.
The study shows Gigi outperforming her mother in search interest almost every week since 2021. Her follower count exceeds Yolanda’s by tens of millions. Campaigns and industry recognition continue to support her momentum.
4. Hailey Bieber
Hailey Bieber grew up in the Baldwin acting family but chose modeling and beauty over film. That decision allowed her to step outside her father Stephen Baldwin’s career path. She built a brand identity that feels distinct and current.
The Kaiia study found that Hailey Bieber has consistently received more public attention than her father Stephen Baldwin, based on weekly search trends and social media data.
She now leads her father in public attention nearly every week. Her social following difference is significant, and her business ventures boosted her overall value. The data reflects how a different lane can create a bigger reach.
5. North West
North West has grown up in the public eye as the daughter of Kanye West, one of the most recognizable figures in music and fashion. Even at a young age, she has built her own visibility through fashion appearances, performances, and social media moments. That exposure has made her a familiar name beyond her parents’ fame.
The Kaiia study found that North West has surpassed her parents in public attention during select periods, based on weekly search trends and online interest.
According to the Kaiia study, North West has surpassed her father in public attention during certain periods, based on weekly search data. While her overall net worth and career are still developing, interest in her continues to rise. The findings reflect how early visibility and cultural relevance now shape modern fame.
6. Margaret Qualley
Margaret Qualley grew up with actress Andie MacDowell but took a slower career approach. She leaned into independent films and streaming projects instead of blockbuster roles. That strategy helped her establish credibility on her own terms.
The Kaiia study found that Margaret Qualley has drawn more public attention than her mother Andie MacDowell during many recent periods, based on weekly search interest.
Search data shows Margaret surpassing her mother in public interest more than half the time. Her social following has also edged ahead. Consistent performances continue to grow her profile.
7. Lily Collins
Lily Collins is the daughter of musician Phil Collins but chose acting as her main focus. Television roles and fashion visibility helped her reach younger audiences. Many fans know her work without connecting it to her father’s music career.
The Kaiia study found that Lily Collins has drawn more public attention than her father Phil Collins during select periods, based on weekly search trends and online interest.
While Phil Collins remains a global icon, Lily now sees closer online attention in many weeks. Her social following also exceeds his by a wide margin. The shift reflects how modern fame is measured today.
Why this shift matters
The Kaiia study shows that fame today depends heavily on visibility, consistency, and digital reach. These celebrity kids built careers aligned with modern media habits rather than relying on family legacy alone. Their success highlights how influence continues to evolve across generations.
