Names carry a lot of weight, and many celebrities know that a unique moniker can be more memorable than any catchy jingle. For some stars, changing their names was a decision born out of necessity, personal preference, or even a desire to honor family.
Here’s a look at some famous name changes and the stories behind them.
Jason Sudeikis
Actor Jason Sudeikis was born Daniel Sudeikis, but because both he and his father shared the first name, his mother began calling him by his middle name, Jason, to avoid confusion.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone’s birth name is Emily Stone, but she had to adopt the name "Emma" after finding out there was already an Emily Stone in the Screen Actors Guild. She briefly went by "Riley Stone" before finally settling on Emma, though she has since expressed a desire to be called "Emily" again.
Cher
Cher's legal name was actually Cheryl, not Cherilyn, as she had believed for over 30 years. In her memoir, she revealed that she discovered the truth about her birth name only in the late '70s when she changed her name to just Cher.
Post Malone
Austin Richard Post, better known as Post Malone, opted to use his surname for his stage name, though he prefers to be called Austin by close friends, like Taylor Swift, who called him “Austin” when they won an award together at the 2024 MTV VMAs.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, used her mother’s maiden name, Perry, for her stage name to avoid confusion with the actress Kate Hudson. She first released an album under her real name in 2001 but later rebranded herself as Katy Perry when she transitioned into pop music.
Meghan Markle
Before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was briefly known as Rachel, which was her birth name.
Shania Twain
Shania Twain was born Eilleen Regina Edwards. After being adopted, she became Eilleen Regina Twain. As a singer, she chose the stage name Shania, inspired by a person she met who had the name.
Vin Diesel
Vin Diesel, born Mark Vincent, chose his stage name for its tough, action-hero vibe, a decision that worked perfectly for his career in blockbuster films.
Bruno Mars
Born Peter Gene Hernandez, Bruno Mars adopted the name “Bruno” after his father began calling him that, and it stuck.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon was born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon. The actress chose to go by Reese, inspired by her mother's maiden name.
Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, chose the name “Lana Del Rey” as a nod to her admiration of the aristocracy, even adding the feminine “e” to make it more unique.
Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean, born Christopher Edwin Breaux, legally changed his name in 2014 as part of his personal transformation.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Broadus, later adopted the famous stage name that became synonymous with West Coast rap.
Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin, born Enrique Morales, rebranded himself before he became an international pop sensation.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston was born Jennifer Anastassakis but shortened her name for simplicity after entering the acting industry.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys was born Alicia Augello Cook, and the name "Alicia Keys" was inspired by her musical journey.
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise’s birth name is Thomas Mapother IV, but he later adopted the name Tom Cruise to fit his Hollywood persona.
Natalie Portman
Born Natalie Hershlag, Natalie Portman chose a stage name to protect her privacy and to make her career easier to navigate.
Elton John
Elton John was born Reginald Dwight. He changed his name when he entered the music industry, adopting the name Elton John, which suited his flamboyant persona.
Source: E! News