Celebs’ Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

In the world of showbiz, names can be as transformative as a well-timed script or a striking costume. Let me take you on a journey through the lives of these extraordinary individuals, who, like chameleons, changed their names to fit the roles they were destined to play.


What’s in a name? A lot, according to these stars.

After all, a unique moniker sticks in the mind better than a catchy jingle. Take Miley Cyrus, who was born Destiny Hope Cyrus but adopted a stage name based on her childhood nickname “Smiley” when she started acting in Hannah Montana. Fast forward to 2008, the singer legally changed her full name to Miley Ray Cyrus, with her new middle name serving as a nod to both her dad Billy Ray Cyrus and grandfather Ronald Ray Cyrus.

In an interview with CNN in 2009, Billy Ray clarified a common belief – that his daughter Miley changed her name to Miley Ray due to him. However, he explained that this wasn’t the case; instead, she chose that name in tribute to his father, as both of them shared a very strong bond of love.

In certain instances, celebrities opted to alter their names to prevent mix-ups. For example, Jason Sudeikis’ mother began referring to him by his middle name as both he and his father share the first name Daniel. Similarly, Emma Stone had to register with a unique stage name in the Screen Actors Guild because another Emily Stone was already on record.

At the age of 16, choosing a new name was an exciting prospect for me. Back then, I announced, “From now on, I’ll be known as Riley Stone!” Emma reminisced in a 2017 interview with W Magazine. Thus, for approximately half a year, people began addressing me as Riley. This new moniker served me well, as it led to my landing a guest role on Malcolm in the Middle. One day, they would call out, “Riley! Riley! Riley! We need you on set, Riley!” and I had no clue who they were addressing until I realized it was me.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

The Oscar-winning person initially chose Emma as a name, but has recently been trying to reclaim a nickname that Taylor Swift and others still use. On her latest track “Florida!!!” she acknowledges her friend as Emily Jean Stone in the credits.

She now goes by her given name on set and recently confessed to The Hollywood Reporter, “A few years back, I had a moment where I panicked. Suddenly, I felt, ‘I can’t keep going with this anymore. Just call me Emily.'”

Now, she’s expressing a desire to share this information. She mentioned it would be lovely if things could return to how they were before. She aspires to be identified as Emily.

Of course, she’s not the only celebrity with a dual persona. Allow stars like Meghan Markle to Tom Cruise to reintroduce themselves. 

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Initially, the singer released a Christian album under her birth name in 2001. However, she believed that using the stage name Katy Perry (named after her mother’s maiden name), would be more appealing to pop music fans, capturing their admiration and awe.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Cardi B adopted the name Bacardi, as her relatives and peers began referring to her sister as Hennessy. Over time, she simplified the moniker into a form that was more fitting for herself.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was briefly known as Rachel. 

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Shania Twain shared how she came up with her stage name during an interview on Apple Music’s Home Now Radio. Essentially, she was originally named Eilleen Regina Edwards, but after being adopted, she became Eilleen Regina Twain. As a professional singer, she felt the need for a stage name that wasn’t so similar to her grandmothers’ names, both named Eilleen and Regina. She didn’t want to be referred to as her grandmother’s name onstage, so she chose to change it to Shania Twain. After encountering someone with the name Shania, she thought it was lovely, and thus, Shania Twain came into existence.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

It turns out that Gigi Hadid‘s stage name originated from her school days when her teacher often mixed her up with a classmate named Helena. As her mother affectionately called her “gigi” at home, she requested the teacher to address her by this nickname instead, and it has remained ever since.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

If you’re looking for an explosive action-star name, how about Vin Diesel instead?

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

As a devoted admirer, I can say that it was my radiant grin, much like Miley Cyrus’, which earned me my childhood moniker – Smiley. Over time, this affectionate title morphed into simply Miley, and it has remained ever since.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

It turns out that the singer resembled Bruno more than Peter. One day, his father began addressing him as Bruno, and since then, he has been recognized as none other than Bruno Mars.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Before the meat dresses and chart-topping music, Lady Gaga was just an everyday girl from New York.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Jason Sudeikis shared on ‘Today’ that he was given the name Daniel after his father, however, due to some mix-up, his mother began referring to him by his middle name, Jason, to prevent misunderstandings.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Emma Stone ultimately chose to use a stage name because she discovered that someone within the Screen Actors Guild was already registered under her birth name.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

It turns out that ‘Reese Witherspoon’ didn’t get her middle name from herself. Instead, she picked it as a tribute to her mother, whose birth surname was Reese.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Every artist typically has a secret identity or alternate self, and Lana Del Rey is the character that this particular singer prefers to assume.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

In 2014, Frank Ocean legally changed his name because, why not? 

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

An interesting tidbit: the talented comedian known as Tina Fey from 30 Rock is, in reality, named Elizabeth. She subtly honored her given name by naming her character on the show Liz Lemon.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

This pioneer of West Coast rap would later go on to be known as Snoop Dogg.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

It turns out that the singer known as “Royals” has a deep interest in the nobility, which explains why she selected the name Lorde with a feminine twist on it.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Prior to becoming a music sensation known as Ricky Martin, he was more commonly referred to by his everyday name.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

It’s hard to believe that Iggy Azalea was born Amethyst Kelly!

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Fans were confused when Taylor Swift thanked then-boyfriend Adam in an acceptance speech, which lead people to the discovery that Calvin Harris is simply a stage name. The DJ told Shortlist magazine he chose the name because his first single was more soulful and wanted something a bit more “racially ambiguous.”

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Before she became a household name, this was what erstwhile Friend Jennifer Aniston answered to.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Alicia Keys didn’t always have such a musical name.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Before he became arguably the biggest movie star in the world, Tom Cruise went by this name.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

When she entered the world in 1980, that’s how future star actress Natalie Portman made her debut to the globe.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Prior to achieving stardom on television and marrying Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi was known by her given name.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Guess music superstar Elton John didn’t think his original name would be a hit with audiences.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

Check The Simple Life alum Nicole Richie‘s birth certificate and this is the name you’ll see.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

With just a casual nickname given by some high school companions, the renowned stage name of U2’s lead singer, Bono, came into being.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

We agree. Carmen Electra is much more effective when it comes to selling a sexy Baywatch persona.

Celebs' Real Names Revealed: Meghan Markle, Katy Perry and More

In Jamie Foxx’s words, during his early comedy days, he performed under the name Eric Bishop but was met with resistance from fellow comedians who prevented him from returning to the stage for weeks. To circumvent this, he decided to showcase his act at a different venue and jotted down three gender-neutral names as aliases. Eventually, he went onstage using one of these names and received a standing ovation, which caused the chosen name to become his permanent moniker.

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2024-09-02 17:18