40+ Famous Celebrities You Didn’t Know Changed Their Names

In the world of entertainment and Hollywood fame, a name can change everything. A strong, catchy name can help build a personal brand, attract fans, and increase popularity. It can even lead to more opportunities in acting, music, and celebrity endorsements.

But not every star is born with the perfect stage name.

Many famous celebrities have changed their real names to something more glamorous, unique, or easier to remember. A smart name change can boost brand recognition, improve online search visibility, and even increase their chances of landing big roles or music deals.

Here are some top celebrities who changed their names — and most people have no idea they were born with something completely different.

Remy Ma

Born in the Bronx, Reminisce Kioni Mackie had a tough start in life. She raised her younger siblings and used writing as a way to escape. Her talent caught the attention of legendary rapper Big Pun, who became her mentor.

She started her rap career as Remy Martin, but due to legal issues with the famous French liquor brand, she rebranded as Remy Ma — a move that helped her carve her own identity in the hip hop music industry.

Nicki Minaj

Before she became a global superstar, Nicki Minaj was known as Onika Tanya Maraj. Early in her career, she used the name Nicki Maraj, but a music producer pushed her to change it to “Minaj.”

Even though the name made her famous in the rap and pop world, Nicki admitted to The Guardian that she never liked it. “My friends and family still call me Onika,” she said.

Rihanna

The name Rihanna is known worldwide, but it’s actually her middle name. Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in Barbados, she started using “Rihanna” when she launched her first hit, Pon de Replay, in 2005.

She still uses her real last name “Fenty” for her beauty and fashion empire, Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin — two of the top names in the celebrity beauty brand market.

“When I hear ‘Robyn,’ I pay attention,” she told Rolling Stone.

Miley Ray Cyrus

Before she became a pop sensation, she was born Destiny Hope Cyrus. Her cheerful personality earned her the nickname “Smiley,” which later became Miley. In 2008, she made it official and changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus.

The middle name “Ray” was chosen not just to honor her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, but also her grandfather Ronald Ray Cyrus — a heartfelt tribute.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga, one of the most iconic names in pop music and performance art, was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. Her stage name was inspired by the Queen song “Radio Ga Ga.”

There’s some mystery around who actually came up with it, but Gaga’s former manager once claimed credit. Regardless of the truth, Lady Gaga became a brand powerhouse in music, fashion, and even film.

Tina Fey

Born Elizabeth Stamatina Fey, this talented actress and writer is better known as Tina Fey — a nickname taken from her Greek middle name. Although she rarely uses “Elizabeth” in public, it lives on in her work.

Her character on 30 Rock, Liz Lemon, is a fun nod to her real name. Her close friend Amy Poehler even calls her “Betty,” short for Elizabeth.

Jamie Foxx

Born Eric Marlon Bishop in Terrell, Texas, Jamie Foxx was raised by his grandmother. In 1989, after a dare from his girlfriend, he stepped on stage at a comedy club — and quickly realized the industry had gender bias.

He chose the name Jamie Foxx because it sounded gender-neutral, which helped him get more stage time. The surname “Foxx” honors the legendary comedian Redd Foxx, a pioneer in Black comedy.

Oprah Winfrey

Yes, Oprah wasn’t her given name! She was born Orpah Winfrey, named after a Biblical figure. But since people often mispronounced it, “Oprah” became the name that stuck.

Today, Oprah is a media mogul, TV personality, and billionaire. Her company, Harpo Productions (Oprah spelled backward), reflects her creative approach to personal branding.

Blake Lively

The Gossip Girl star was born Blake Ellender Brown, but her father, actor Ernie Brown, went by Ernie Lively after taking his wife’s surname. Blake later followed his lead and changed her last name too.

Lively is more vibrant and unique — perfect for her glowing Hollywood image. It helped shape her identity in the film and fashion industry.

Natalie Portman

Born in Jerusalem as Neta-Lee Hershlag, Natalie Portman took her grandmother’s maiden name when she started acting. The change helped protect her family’s privacy, especially since her first movie, Leon: The Professional, had mature themes.

Portman, now an Oscar-winning actress, made her name a global brand in Hollywood and luxury fashion campaigns.

David Bowie

Originally named David Jones, the music legend adopted the name David Bowie to avoid confusion with Davy Jones from The Monkees.

He chose “Bowie” from James Bowie, a 19th-century American frontiersman known for the Bowie knife. The name added a sharp edge to his persona, matching his constant reinvention in the rock and pop music world.

Demi Moore

Born Demi Gene Guynes, the actress later adopted the last name of her first husband, Freddy Moore, even after their divorce.

Though their marriage was brief, she kept “Moore” as her Hollywood name, and it became part of her personal brand as a leading actress in movies like Ghost and G.I. Jane.

Marilyn Monroe

Before she became a timeless icon, she was Norma Jeane Mortenson. When she entered show business, a studio executive helped her create a name that would light up marquees.

“Monroe” came from her mother’s side, and “Marilyn” was inspired by Broadway star Marilyn Miller. She officially changed it in 1956, cementing her place in Hollywood legend.

Bruno Mars

Born in Honolulu as Peter Gene Hernandez, the future superstar got the nickname Bruno from his dad, who thought he looked like pro wrestler Bruno Sammartino.

Later, he added Mars to avoid being typecast as a Latin artist. He wanted a name that was “from another world,” and it worked. Bruno Mars became a global icon in pop, funk, and R&B music.

Stevie Wonder

Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Michigan, his last name was later changed to Morris after his mother separated from his father.

Stevie signed with Motown’s Tamla label at just 11 years old. The label’s founder, Berry Gordy, gave him the name “Little Stevie Wonder” to highlight his incredible talent. At 15, he dropped the “Little” and became simply Stevie Wonder, one of the greatest names in music history.

Lorde

New Zealand singer Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor became a global sensation at just 16. She created the name Lorde from her fascination with royalty and aristocracy.

She added an “e” at the end to make it look more elegant and less masculine. It worked — Lorde is now a top name in alternative pop music.

Ralph Lauren

Born Ralph Rueben Lifshitz in the Bronx, the future fashion mogul faced teasing because of his last name. At age 16, he legally changed it to Lauren, along with his brothers.

He told Oprah that it wasn’t about hiding his Jewish heritage — just about creating a name that people wouldn’t mock. Today, Ralph Lauren is one of the biggest names in luxury fashion and designer lifestyle brands.

Whoopi Goldberg

Born Caryn Elaine Johnson, she launched her career in the 1980s but wanted a stage name that people wouldn’t forget.

She told Reuters that “Whoopi” came from a joke — she passed gas so often, friends compared her to a whoopee cushion. “Goldberg” came from her family’s Jewish heritage. Together, the name gave her a strong and unique identity in the comedy and film world.

Carmen Electra

Born Tara Leigh Patrick, she got her famous name from music legend Prince. When she moved to Minneapolis to record an album, he told her: “You’re not Tara. You’re Carmen.”

“Electra” came from her electric energy and dance moves. Though her music career was short, the name stuck and helped her shine in TV, modeling, and pop culture.

Katy Perry

Born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, the pop singer released her first gospel album as Katy Hudson. To avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson, she later adopted her mother’s maiden name, Perry.

Now known worldwide as Katy Perry, she’s one of the top names in pop music, beauty endorsements, and brand partnerships.

Julianne Moore

Actress Julie Anne Smith dreamed of becoming a doctor but fell in love with acting. When she entered the industry, her name was too common.

To avoid confusion, she combined her mom’s name (Anne) and her dad’s middle name (Moore) to create Julianne Moore. She once said it was hard to leave behind her real name, but it helped her stand out in Hollywood film and drama.

Dr. Dre

Born Andre Romelle Young, the rapper and producer grew up in Compton, California. His middle name came from his dad’s R&B group, The Romells.

He first used Dr. J as a DJ name, inspired by the basketball legend. Later, he became Dr. Dre, blending “Dr.” with “Dre,” a short form of Andre. Today, Dr. Dre is a powerhouse in hip-hop music, Beats by Dre, and tech investments.

Alicia Keys

Born Alicia Augello Cook in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, she was named after her Puerto Rican godmother. A gifted musician, Alicia started writing songs at age 12 and signed with Columbia Records by 15.

She almost went by “Alicia Wilde,” but her manager dreamed up the name Keys, symbolizing her talent as a classically trained pianist. Alicia loved it — it perfectly fit her image as a soulful artist in the music industry.

Reese Witherspoon

The Legally Blonde star was born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon in New Orleans. “Reese” was her mother’s maiden name, and she chose it as her stage first name before her first film at just 14.

She thought “Reese” sounded more glamorous and memorable than “Laura” — and she was right. Her name helped shape her as one of the top names in Hollywood films and women-led productions.

Lana Del Rey

Before she became a music icon, Elizabeth Woolridge Grant tried many names including “Lizzy Grant” and “May Jailer.” But nothing clicked — until she came up with Lana Del Rey.

Inspired by her love of Miami, Spanish culture, and classic Hollywood stars like Lana Turner, the name gave her music a vintage, dreamy identity. Lana Del Rey became a top name in indie pop and alternative music.

Charlie Sheen

Born Carlos Irwin Estévez, he’s the son of actor Martin Sheen, whose real name was Ramón Estévez. When Charlie began acting, he also took on the name “Sheen.”

“Charlie” is an English version of “Carlos,” and “Sheen” honors Catholic scholar Fulton J. Sheen. Though his birth name was rich in heritage, the new name helped him build a powerful image in TV and film.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Kim Coppola is part of a legendary Hollywood family — nephew to director Francis Ford Coppola and cousin to Sofia Coppola.

But to avoid being judged by his last name, he created his own identity. Inspired by the Marvel superhero Luke Cage and avant-garde composer John Cage, he chose the name Nicolas Cage, allowing him to carve out a unique path in the film industry.

Queen Latifah

Born Dana Elaine Owens, she found the name Latifah in an Arabic name book at just eight years old. The word means “kind,” “gentle,” and “sensitive.”

Believing that all women should be treated like queens, she added “Queen” to her name when she entered the rap and acting world. Though her mom found it funny at first, Queen Latifah turned the name into an empire of music, film, and talk shows.

Vin Diesel

Born Mark Sinclair, the actor behind Fast & Furious adopted a tough new name when he worked as a bouncer in New York City.

“Vin” comes from his stepfather’s last name, Vincent, and “Diesel” was a nickname from friends because of his high energy. The name became part of his action star identity and boosted his global brand.

Joan Rivers

Born Joan Alexandra Molinsky in Brooklyn to Russian Jewish parents, she faced many challenges while trying to enter show business. Her agent, Tony Rivers, suggested she adopt a new name — and she chose his.

She once said in an interview, “Joan Rivers was like a party dress I put on… Joan Molinsky was still scared and confused.” The new name helped her build a bold, funny, and fearless persona in comedy and television.

Olivia Wilde

Born Olivia Jane Cockburn, she comes from a family of writers and journalists. When choosing a stage name, she turned to one of her favorite authors — Oscar Wilde.

She was acting in The Importance of Being Earnest when the name Olivia Wilde came to her. It reflects her love for bold storytelling, sharp wit, and deep thought — all traits she’s known for in Hollywood and activism.

Joaquin Phoenix

Born Joaquin Rafael Bottom, the actor and his family left a religious cult and changed their last name to Phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and a fresh start.

As a child, Joaquin wanted to be called Leaf, but he returned to his real name at 15. The name Joaquin Phoenix helped him become one of the most intense and respected actors in the film industry. (And let’s be honest — Leaf Bottom might not have worked on a movie poster.)

Elton John

Before he became a legend, he was Reginald Kenneth Dwight, a shy young man with big dreams. When he joined the band Bluesology, he got inspired by two members — Elton Dean and Long John Baldry — and created his new name: Elton John.

In 1972, he legally became Elton Hercules John and never looked back. “It was like a new lease on life,” he said. That name became one of the biggest brands in music history and global entertainment.

Bob Dylan

Born Robert Allen Zimmerman, he experimented with names like Elston Gunnn before finally becoming Bob Dylan in 1962.

Many assumed he chose it because of poet Dylan Thomas, but Dylan says that’s not true. He told CBS, “You’re born the wrong names, wrong parents… You call yourself what you want to call yourself. This is the land of the free.” That free spirit helped him become a legend in folk music and American culture.

Portia de Rossi

Born Amanda Lee Rogers in Australia, she changed her name to Portia de Rossi at just 15. Inspired by the strong female character Portia in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, she added “de Rossi” for a more exotic, European flair.

She later shared that this change reflected her struggle with LGBTQ+ identity and finding confidence as a young actress.

Tiger Woods

Real name: Eldrick Tont Woods. Born in California, Tiger was named using the initials “E” and “K” for his parents, Earl and Kultida.

His nickname “Tiger” was in honor of a Vietnamese war hero and family friend. Today, “Tiger Woods” is one of the most powerful names in sports branding, golf, and global endorsements.

Hellen Mirren

Born Helen Lydia Mironoff, her father was part of a Russian aristocratic family. After settling in England, her dad changed the family surname to Mirren in 1951.

That’s the name she used to become a Dame and award-winning actress, known across the globe.

Iggy Azelia

Real name: Amethyst Amelia Kelly. At 16, she named herself “Iggy” after her childhood dog, and added “Azalea” after the street her family lived on.

She created a name that mixed edgy rap energy with a soft, feminine touch — helping her stand out in the hip hop and pop music scene.

Woody Allen

Born Allan Stewart Konigsberg, he started writing comedy as a teenager. At 17, he legally became Heywood Allen and later shortened it to “Woody,” possibly in honor of jazz musician Woody Herman.

He went on to have a six-decade career as a filmmaker, writer, and comedian.

Louis C.K.

Born Louis Alfred Székely, he adopted “C.K.” because his Hungarian last name was hard for people to pronounce.

“C.K.” sounds like “See-Kay,” which helped make his name easier to remember in the world of stand-up comedy and TV.

Albert Brooks

Imagine launching your career as a comedian with the name Albert Einstein. That’s why Albert Lawrence Einstein became Albert Brooks at age 19.

He chose “Brooks” as a nod to Mel Brooks, one of his biggest influences. Today, he’s known for his work in film, voice acting, and satire.

Michael Keaton

Born Michael John Douglas, he changed his name to avoid confusion with actor Michael Douglas.

Pressed to choose a new name quickly, he spotted “Keaton” in a phonebook and went with it. It turned out to be the perfect name for a future Batman and comedy star.

Natalie Wood

Born Natalie Zacharenko, her Russian surname was changed by movie execs to Wood, in tribute to director Sam Wood.

Her younger sister also adopted a stage name, becoming Lana Wood. Natalie became one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood history.

Winona Ryder

Real name: Winona Laura Horowitz. When asked how she wanted to be credited in her debut film Lucas, she picked “Ryder” while listening to a Mitch Ryder album playing in the background.

The name gave her a strong identity in indie films, horror, and pop culture.

Lea Michele

Born Lea Michele Sarfati, the Glee star chose to use her middle name professionally.

She admitted that classmates teased her last name by calling her “Lea So-fatty,” so she dropped it early in her career — a smart branding move that helped her shine in musicals and TV.

Sigourney Weaver

Born Susan Alexandra Weaver, she felt her name didn’t suit her tall frame.

At age 14, she found “Sigourney” in The Great Gatsby and instantly loved it. It helped her stand out as a bold, unique name in sci-fi, drama, and blockbuster films.

Alan Alda

Born Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo, he followed in his father’s footsteps. His dad, actor Robert Alda, had created “Alda” by blending the first two letters of his first and last names.

Alan kept the Alda legacy alive, making it a recognizable name in TV, film, and activism.

Michael Caine

Born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite Jr., the actor first picked “Michael White” — but someone already had it.

Standing in a phone booth, he saw The Caine Mutiny playing nearby and chose Michael Caine on the spot. The name stuck, and he became a legend in British and global cinema.