10 Celebs Whose Real Name Will Surprise You
Published -
- May 11, 2017
- 5:00 pm
Do you know the real names of Katy Perry, Rihanna or Gigi Hadid?
It’s so fascinating to learn which celebs changed their names and why. Their real names will surprise you, and their reasons for making the switch are pretty amazing, too. Take Katy Perry, for instance, who changed her surname because she thought it made her sound too much like a movie star who was already very famous. Can you guess who?
Some famous people come up with totally new names for themselves. Like Portia de Rossi, who had a very literary and cultural inspiration for her entirely different moniker. It’s so far from her real name that you’ll be totally surprised when you compare the two. Calvin Harris’ stage name is also a complete departure from his birth name. His reason for changing his name will shock you.
There are certain celebs whose names are given to them by other people, like Gigi Hadid. Find out why her mom called her that, and what her actual name is. As for Lady Gaga, there’s some controversy over exactly who came up with what part of her stage name, and there are a couple of intriguing explanations as to how the name came about. And the story behind Vin Diesel’s nickname is pretty funny.
A lot of celebrities bypass their first names and use their middle names instead. You’ll discover what Rihanna, Lucy Hale, and Drake’s real full names are, and why and when they chose to use their middle names rather than their first names.
Watch our video to learn about 10 celebs whose real name will surprise you, and tell us in comments what you would change your name to if you became famous!
What was the reason behind Elton John’s decision to change his name?
Celebrities are known for their charisma, talent, and unique personalities that make them stand out from the rest. However, not all of this fame is built on their real names, which may come as a surprise to many fans. In fact, some celebrities opt for stage names that differ entirely from their birth names. Here are ten celebrities whose real name might surprise you:
1. Lady Gaga
The world-renowned pop star was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. She adopted the name Lady Gaga to create a unique, memorable, and catchy stage name.
2. Meghan Markle
Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was known by many fans as Rachel Zane, her character in the popular television series “Suits.” Her birth name is Rachel Meghan Markle.
3. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars was born Peter Gene Hernandez, a name that didn’t quite fit his stage personality. He chose the name Bruno Mars as his stage name to pay tribute to his father’s nickname, “Bruno.”
4. Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx is the stage name of Eric Marlon Bishop, an American actor, singer, and comedian. He took the name Jamie Foxx as a tribute to a favorite childhood comedian named Redd Foxx.
5. Katy Perry
Katy Perry, the global pop sensation, was born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson. She reportedly adopted the name Perry, her mother’s maiden name, to avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson.
6. Calvin Harris
The world-famous Scottish DJ and record producer is known as Calvin Harris on stage. However, his birth name is Adam Richard Wiles.
7. Elton John
Sir Elton John is one of the most legendary performers of our time. However, his real name is Reginald Kenneth Dwight. He changed his name when he became so engrossed in his music career that he wanted a new identity.
8. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj’s real name is Onika Tanya Maraj, which she changed to Nicki Minaj when she became famous. She said in an interview that she chose the name because she felt it was more memorable.
9. Blake Lively
Blake Lively, the American actress known for her roles in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Gossip Girl,” was born Blake Ellender Brown. She changed her name to Lively when her parents realized it was an unusual but memorable family name.
10. Jay Z
Jay Z, one of the most successful rappers and music producers in history, was born Shawn Corey Carter. He adopted the name Jay Z as a tribute to his mentor, Jaz-O.
In conclusion, stage names are part of the entertainment industry, allowing celebrities to create a new identity and a recognizable brand. It is fascinating to learn what names some of our favorite celebrities were born with and why they chose to change them. From Lady Gaga to Jay Z, these ten celebrities sure had surprising real names that their fans might not have known about.
