15 Famous People Who Legally Changed Or Shortened Their Names
Ever wondered why some celebrities don’t use their real names? Well, a lot of them have legally changed or shortened their names for various reasons. Here are 15 famous people who’ve done just that!
1. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars was born Peter Gene Hernandez. He changed his name to avoid being stereotyped based on his Latino heritage and to create a catchy stage name.
2. Miley Cyrus
Miley’s real name is Destiny Hope Cyrus. She legally changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus in 2008. “Miley” was a nickname from “Smiley” because she smiled a lot as a baby.
3. Lady Gaga
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta is the real name of Lady Gaga. She chose “Lady Gaga” inspired by the Queen song “Radio Ga Ga.”
4. Elton John
Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight. He adopted his stage name from two of his bandmates, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry.
5. Meghan Markle
The Duchess of Sussex was born Rachel Meghan Markle. She goes by her middle name, Meghan. Fun fact: her character in Suits was also named Rachel!
6. Jamie Foxx
Eric Marlon Bishop decided to change his name to Jamie Foxx. He picked a gender-neutral name because he noticed female comedians were often called up first at comedy clubs.
7. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman was born Neta-Lee Hershlag. She took her grandmother’s maiden name, Portman, to protect her family’s privacy.
8. Vin Diesel
Vin Diesel’s birth name is Mark Sinclair Vincent. He changed it to Vin Diesel, with “Vin” coming from his last name and “Diesel” reflecting his friends’ nickname for his high energy.
9. Whoopi Goldberg
Caryn Elaine Johnson is Whoopi Goldberg’s real name. She chose “Whoopi” after a whoopee cushion because she liked making people laugh. “Goldberg” was added as a nod to her family’s heritage.
10. Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Rafael Bottom changed his last name to Phoenix after his family left the religious cult they were part of. The new name symbolized a new beginning.
11. Lana Del Rey
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant became Lana Del Rey. She wanted a name that reflected the glamour of the coastal cities and the beauty of the ocean.
12. Calvin Harris
Adam Richard Wiles became Calvin Harris. He thought the name sounded more racially ambiguous and would help him appeal to a wider audience.
13. Olivia Wilde
Olivia Jane Cockburn took the last name Wilde in honor of the playwright Oscar Wilde. She wanted a name that paid tribute to her love of literature.
14. Alicia Keys
Alicia Augello Cook chose the last name “Keys” because it reflects her talent as a pianist. It also symbolizes the keys to success.
15. John Legend
John Roger Stephens adopted “Legend” as his stage name. It started as a nickname given by his friends, and he decided to make it official.
Changing or shortening names has helped these stars craft memorable identities. What’s in a name? For these celebrities, quite a lot!
