13 Celebrities Who Secretly Changed Their Names

13 Celebrities Who Secretly Changed Their Names

A famous name can become just as iconic as the person behind it. But here’s the thing—many of the celebrities we adore weren’t actually born with the names we know them by. Stage names have been a Hollywood tradition for decades, often chosen to sound catchier, easier to remember, or simply to create a certain image.

1. Natalie Portman – Born Neta-Lee Hershlag

Long before she became an Oscar-winning actress, Natalie Portman was born Neta-Lee Hershlag. Growing up in Israel before moving to the U.S., she faced a name that wasn’t exactly Hollywood-friendly.

When she began acting as a child, she decided to use her grandmother’s maiden name, “Portman,” to create a stage identity that was easier for casting directors and audiences to remember.

Her decision also gave her a layer of privacy. By keeping her real surname separate, Portman could protect her family from the constant spotlight of fame. It turned out to be a smart move—today, “Natalie Portman” is one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood, proving that sometimes a little rebranding goes a long way.

2. Bruno Mars – Born Peter Gene Hernandez

Music fans might not guess that Bruno Mars entered the world as Peter Gene Hernandez. The Hawaii-born singer adopted “Bruno” as a childhood nickname because of his resemblance to pro wrestler Bruno Sammartino.

Later, he added “Mars” to set himself apart in the music industry, worried that his real name might make people assume he only sang Latin music.

This bold choice helped craft the superstar image we now associate with him. With his slick stage presence and genre-bending hits, “Bruno Mars” feels larger than life—exactly the vibe he was going for. The name fits his energetic style perfectly and made sure no one could easily box him into a single category.

3. Miley Cyrus – Born Destiny Hope Cyrus

Most fans know her as Miley, but she was actually born Destiny Hope Cyrus. Her parents chose that name because they believed she was destined for greatness, and as a child she was nicknamed “Smiley” for her cheerful personality.

Over time, “Smiley” shortened to “Miley,” and eventually, it stuck so well that she made it legal.

As she transitioned from Disney Channel sweetheart to international pop icon, the name “Miley” became part of her reinvention. It gave her freedom to step outside of Hannah Montana’s shadow and build a brand all her own. Today, “Miley Cyrus” feels authentic, playful, and bold—just like the woman herself.

4. Jamie Foxx – Born Eric Marlon Bishop

Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars, Jamie Foxx was known as Eric Marlon Bishop. His start in stand-up comedy inspired the switch. At open-mic nights, female performers often got more stage time, so he adopted the gender-neutral name “Jamie” to boost his chances of being called up.

“Foxx” was a nod to legendary comedian Redd Foxx, someone he admired. Together, the name carried charisma and recognition that helped launch his career. The gamble paid off, as Jamie Foxx went on to win both an Oscar and a Grammy.

His story shows that sometimes clever strategy and a little creativity with a name can change everything.

5. Reese Witherspoon – Born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon

Although her real name is Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon, she decided early in her acting career to drop the “Laura Jeanne” and go by “Reese.” The name actually comes from her mother’s maiden name, and it gave her a unique, snappy brand identity in Hollywood.

Using “Reese” helped her stand out at auditions where generic-sounding names were common. It also gave her an approachable, down-to-earth vibe that audiences connected with.

Over the years, “Reese Witherspoon” has become synonymous with witty, relatable, and powerful roles, both on-screen and behind the camera as a producer. Her name isn’t just a label—it’s part of her brand of charm and determination.

6. Lady Gaga – Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

When Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta burst onto the music scene, she knew she needed a name as bold and unique as her style. Inspired by Queen’s hit “Radio Ga Ga,” she took on the stage name Lady Gaga. The name perfectly matched her eccentric fashion, daring performances, and larger-than-life persona.

By creating “Lady Gaga,” she built an alter ego that allowed her to experiment with art, music, and performance in ways her birth name couldn’t.

While her real name still connects her to her roots, her chosen name catapulted her into global superstardom. It’s proof that sometimes reinvention isn’t just smart—it’s legendary.

7. Vin Diesel – Born Mark Sinclair

Action star Vin Diesel wasn’t born with such a rugged name. He entered the world as Mark Sinclair. When he started working as a nightclub bouncer in New York, he adopted “Vin” from his stepfather’s last name, Vincent. “Diesel” was a nickname friends gave him because of his boundless energy.

The tough-sounding alias fit perfectly when he transitioned into acting. It gave him the edge needed for roles in Fast & Furious and other blockbuster films. “Vin Diesel” projects strength and charisma, qualities that became his signature.

His real name might not have had the same punch, but his chosen one screams action hero.

8. Whoopi Goldberg – Born Caryn Elaine Johnson

Born Caryn Elaine Johnson, Whoopi Goldberg crafted a name that was both memorable and unusual. “Whoopi” came from a whoopee cushion, a playful nod to her comedic beginnings. She wanted a name that reflected her quirky personality and sense of humor.

The “Goldberg” part was more strategic. At the time, she believed a Jewish-sounding surname might help her career in the entertainment industry. Together, the name gave her a unique identity that audiences couldn’t forget.

Today, Whoopi Goldberg is a household name, proving that sometimes a little wit—and a clever alias—can take you far.

9. Alicia Keys – Born Alicia Augello Cook

The Grammy-winning singer was born Alicia Augello Cook. When she began pursuing a music career, she wanted a name that captured her artistry.

At first, she considered the name “Alicia Wild,” but her mother worried it sounded too suggestive. Instead, she settled on “Keys,” symbolizing both piano keys and the emotional keys her music unlocks.

The choice turned out to be perfect. “Alicia Keys” has a soulful, artistic ring that matches her music and public image. Her name feels authentic while also hinting at her mastery of the piano. It’s one of those stage names that feels so natural, you can’t imagine her being called anything else.

10. Calvin Harris – Born Adam Richard Wiles

Known for his chart-topping EDM hits, Calvin Harris was actually born Adam Richard Wiles. In his early days as a DJ, he thought his real name sounded too ordinary for the bold, energetic music he was making. He chose “Calvin Harris” because it had a stronger, more international appeal.

Interestingly, Harris has admitted that part of his reasoning was to avoid being pigeonholed. He thought people might assume “Adam Wiles” was tied to one specific culture or style. Instead, “Calvin Harris” gave him a clean slate. The name worked—he went on to become one of the most famous DJs in the world.

11. Emma Stone – Born Emily Jean Stone

The beloved actress we know as Emma Stone was born Emily Jean Stone. When she tried to register with the Screen Actors Guild, she discovered the name “Emily Stone” was already taken. To solve the problem, she chose “Emma,” inspired by her childhood love for the Spice Girls.

At first, she struggled with the change, even asking friends to still call her Emily. But eventually, “Emma” became second nature, especially as her career skyrocketed.

Today, “Emma Stone” rolls off the tongue and feels perfectly suited for her charming, relatable screen presence. Sometimes, necessity really is the mother of reinvention.

12. Nicki Minaj – Born Onika Tanya Maraj

Rap superstar Nicki Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj. When she started her music career, she signed with a manager who encouraged her to adopt a catchier name. At first, she resisted, but eventually, she embraced “Nicki Minaj.” It became her stage identity and matched her bold, larger-than-life persona.

The name gave her room to experiment with alter egos, like Roman Zolanski, that made her performances unforgettable.

Today, “Nicki Minaj” is instantly recognizable around the world, proving that a good stage name can amplify an artist’s brand. While “Onika Maraj” reflects her roots, “Nicki Minaj” turned her into a global icon.

13. John Legend – Born John Roger Stephens

Although he was born John Roger Stephens, the world came to know him as John Legend. The nickname “Legend” started as a playful reference from his friends, who said his soulful singing reminded them of old-school legends. At first, he hesitated to use it, worrying it sounded arrogant.

But after encouragement from fellow musician Kanye West, he decided to embrace it. The name stuck, and soon “John Legend” became synonymous with smooth vocals and heartfelt ballads.

The name didn’t just give him star power—it perfectly matched his timeless style. In hindsight, the bold choice was absolutely the right one.