20 Celebrities That Go by Stage Names

20 Celebrities That Go by Stage Names

Ever wonder if your favorite stars were born with their famous names? Many celebrities actually perform under completely different names than what’s on their birth certificates. Some changed their names to sound more memorable, while others wanted something easier to pronounce. These stage names have become so familiar that many fans have no idea about the real identities behind their favorite stars. From musicians to actors, let’s uncover the birth names behind 20 famous celebrities we know by their stage names.

1. Lady Gaga

Grammy-winning pop sensation wasn’t born screaming “Gaga.” Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta created her flashy alter ego while preparing to take the music world by storm. The name came from Queen’s song “Radio Ga Ga” – a producer texted her “Lady Gaga” as a reference, and it stuck immediately.

Before becoming the Mother Monster we know today, Stefani studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and performed in small New York venues. Her transformation into Lady Gaga allowed her to embrace theatrical performances and boundary-pushing fashion that might have seemed too extreme for a classically-trained pianist named Stefani.

Few stage names have become so completely intertwined with an artist’s identity – many younger fans might not even realize “Lady Gaga” isn’t her birth name!

2. The Weeknd

Behind the moody R&B hits and that iconic haircut stands Abel Makkonen Tesfaye. The Canadian superstar chose his stage name after leaving home one weekend and “never coming back.” He deliberately dropped the ‘e’ from “Weekend” because another Canadian band already used that name.

Abel’s journey began by anonymously uploading songs to YouTube in 2010, cultivating mystery around his identity. His Ethiopian heritage influences both his distinctive features and some of his musical elements. The name change represented a complete break from his past life, allowing him to craft a new identity.

The transformation worked spectacularly – from mysterious underground artist to Super Bowl halftime performer, The Weeknd has become one of music’s biggest global stars while keeping aspects of his personal life carefully guarded.

3. Bruno Mars

The funky hitmaker who brings ’70s soul into modern pop was born Peter Gene Hernandez in Hawaii. His father nicknamed him “Bruno” as a toddler because he resembled a famous wrestler, Bruno Sammartino. The “Mars” came later when record labels tried pigeonholing him as a Latin artist based on his surname.

Growing up in a musical family, Peter performed as an Elvis impersonator from age four! His Puerto Rican and Filipino heritage gave him a unique look that, combined with extraordinary talent, made him stand out. By creating the Bruno Mars persona, he sidestepped industry stereotyping while crafting an identity that felt authentic to his showmanship.

His transformation worked brilliantly – Bruno Mars has become synonymous with catchy hooks, spectacular live performances, and an undeniable charisma that transcends his birth name.

4. Elton John

Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947, he crafted his iconic stage name by combining the names of two musicians he admired: saxophonist Elton Dean and singer Long John Baldry.

Young Reginald showed prodigious musical talent from age three, when he stunned his family by playing “The Skater’s Waltz” by ear. His transformation into Elton John coincided with his artistic evolution from shy pianist to the outrageously costumed performer we know today. In 1972, he legally changed his name to Elton Hercules John, making the stage persona his official identity.

The name change perfectly complemented his musical journey – would “Rocket Man Reginald” have had the same legendary ring to it?

5. Drake

The Toronto-born rap superstar simplified his birth name, Aubrey Drake Graham, to create his powerful one-word moniker. Interestingly, Drake wasn’t invented for his music career – it was actually his middle name that he used as his character’s name on the teen drama “Degrassi: The Next Generation.”

Young Aubrey faced significant challenges growing up, including his parents’ divorce when he was five and being raised primarily by his mother in a modest apartment. When transitioning from acting to music, keeping “Drake” created continuity while shedding “Aubrey Graham” helped separate his new rap persona from his child actor past.

The single-name approach worked brilliantly, giving him a memorable, masculine identity that’s become synonymous with chart-topping hits and a distinctive blend of rapping and singing that changed hip-hop forever.

6. Miley Cyrus

Named Destiny Hope by country music stars Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, their daughter was destined for greatness in their eyes. Her bright smile earned her the nickname “Smiley,” eventually shortened to “Miley”—a name she embraced so fully she made it official in 2008.

Her transformation from child star to controversial adult artist mirrored her name evolution – shedding her destiny-laden birth name for something more playful. Growing up in the spotlight as Hannah Montana created enormous pressure to break free from her Disney image, and embracing “Miley” over “Destiny” symbolized taking control of her own path.

Few celebrities have reinvented themselves as dramatically as Miley, making her stage name the perfect representation of her self-determined journey rather than the destiny her parents once envisioned.

7. Lana Del Rey

The transformation of Elizabeth Woolridge Grant into Lana Del Rey came after experimenting with several stage names, including Lizzy Grant and May Jailer. She and her management created “Lana Del Rey” to evoke vintage Hollywood glamour with a mysterious edge.

Elizabeth’s reinvention wasn’t just nominal – she cultivated an entirely new persona centered around dreamy aesthetics and cinematic songwriting. “Lana” came from her admiration for old Hollywood actresses, while “Del Rey” (Spanish for “of the king”) added exotic flair. The name perfectly encapsulates her musical identity: glamorous yet melancholic, vintage yet contemporary.

Critics initially questioned her authenticity when her previous musical attempts under different names surfaced, but Lana Del Rey has since proven her artistic vision transcends whatever name appears on her birth certificate.

8. Nicki Minaj

The rap queen who conquered the male-dominated hip-hop world was born Onika Tanya Maraj in Trinidad and Tobago. Her stage name wasn’t self-chosen – early in her career, her first producer created “Nicki Minaj” without her approval, and she initially hated it. She’s mentioned in interviews that “Minaj” sounded too much like “ménage” with sexual connotations she didn’t want.

Despite her reservations, the name stuck as her career skyrocketed. Young Onika moved to Queens, New York as a child and studied performing arts before pursuing music. Creating alter egos became central to her artistry, with “Nicki Minaj” being just one of many personas she’s developed.

The distance between Onika and Nicki allowed her to embrace outrageous fashion and provocative lyrics while maintaining her private self – a strategy that helped her navigate the often harsh spotlight of fame.

9. Jamie Foxx

Before becoming the Oscar-winning Jamie Foxx, Eric Marlon Bishop cleverly picked his stage name. Noticing that female comics often performed first at open mic nights, he chose “Jamie Foxx” to increase his chances of an early spot.

The name also paid homage to pioneering comedian Redd Foxx. Young Eric had been abandoned by his parents and raised by his grandparents, developing musical and comedic talents from an early age. The Jamie Foxx persona allowed him to reinvent himself completely, shedding his difficult past for a fresh start.

His strategy worked brilliantly – not just getting him earlier performance slots, but creating a memorable brand that’s carried him through an extraordinary career spanning comedy, music, and Academy Award-winning dramatic performances.

10. Meghan Markle

The woman known globally as the Duchess of Sussex was originally Rachel Meghan Markle. Rather than a complete rebranding, she simply adopted her middle name for her career, probably because “Meghan” was more memorable in the entertainment industry.

Growing up in Los Angeles with a television director father, young Rachel was exposed to the entertainment industry early. Her switch to using “Meghan” professionally came during her acting career, well before meeting Prince Harry. Interestingly, on her royal wedding certificate, she’s listed as “Rachel Meghan,” confirming her legal first name.

The subtle name shift demonstrates how even minor adjustments to one’s identity can impact public perception – “Meghan” has a slightly more modern, distinctive quality than the more common “Rachel.”

11. Ice Cube

What started as a sibling’s teasing about turning him into an ice cube evolved into the iconic name O’Shea Jackson carries through music and film.

Growing up in a tough neighborhood during the rise of gang culture, young O’Shea found an outlet in rap music. The cold, hard “Ice Cube” persona perfectly matched his uncompromising lyrics about police brutality and inner-city struggles. Unlike some stage names created for marketing purposes, his emerged organically from his life experiences.

The name’s effectiveness lies in its contrast – while ice cubes are literally cold, his music brought heat and fire to discussions about racial inequality, creating a memorable paradox that helped cement his place in hip-hop history.

12. Charlie Sheen

The controversial actor famous for “Two and a Half Men” and his public meltdowns was born Carlos Irwin Estévez to actor Martin Sheen (who was also born Ramón Estévez). Charlie followed his father’s lead in adopting a more Anglicized name for Hollywood, though his brothers Emilio and Ramon kept their birth names.

Young Carlos grew up in a showbiz family and showed early acting talent alongside troublemaking tendencies. The name change came early in his career, likely to avoid typecasting in Hispanic roles and to capitalize on his father’s established stage surname. It’s worth noting that in Hispanic naming traditions, Estévez is actually his paternal surname.

The Charlie Sheen persona became so entwined with his public scandals that it’s almost impossible to separate the stage name from the controversial behavior that made “winning” his catchphrase during his famous 2011 media tour.

13. Vin Diesel

Adopting “Vin” from his stepfather’s surname and “Diesel” from friends who likened his energy to fuel power, Mark Sinclair reinvented himself as the iconic Vin Diesel.

Before fame, Mark worked as a bouncer at New York nightclubs for nearly a decade. His first self-directed short film, “Multi-Facial,” explored his mixed ethnicity and struggles finding acting roles. The Vin Diesel persona allowed him to craft a tough, enigmatic image perfect for action films while maintaining privacy about his personal life.

The name’s mechanical, powerful connotations perfectly match his on-screen persona – much like diesel fuel powers heavy machinery, Vin Diesel powers blockbuster action franchises with his distinctive gravelly voice and physical presence.

14. Halsey

Long before topping charts as Halsey, Ashley Nicolette Frangipane was a New Jersey teen spending time on Brooklyn’s Halsey Street, where she began writing songs. The name also cleverly rearranges the letters of “Ashley.”

Growing up with bipolar disorder and facing periods of homelessness, young Ashley found music as both escape and expression. The Halsey persona allowed her to process personal traumas through art while maintaining some separation between her private self and public image. She’s been remarkably open about using her stage name as a kind of alter ego.

The geographic origin of her name reflects how important place and displacement have been in her music – many of her songs deal with belonging, identity, and finding one’s place in the world.

15. Natalie Portman

Oscar winner Natalie Portman began life as Neta-Lee Hershlag. When her family moved to the U.S., they modified her name to “Natalie,” and she chose “Portman,” her grandmother’s maiden name, to safeguard her personal identity.

Young Neta-Lee showed exceptional academic abilities alongside her acting talent, eventually graduating from Harvard University while already a star. The name change served both practical and safety purposes – preventing strangers from easily finding her family while creating a more marketable Hollywood identity. Unlike many stage names chosen purely for glamour, hers was partly a security measure.

The transformation from Neta-Lee Hershlag to Natalie Portman represents her journey from Israeli child to global film icon while honoring her maternal family heritage.

16. Portia de Rossi

At just 15, Amanda Lee Rogers from Australia crafted the elegant stage name Portia de Rossi, inspired by Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice and an Italian twist, marking a new chapter during her early modeling days and personal journey.

Young Amanda legally changed her name, seeking both a fresh start and a more distinctive professional identity. The Shakespearean first name reflected her intellectual interests and ambitions beyond modeling. After marrying Ellen DeGeneres, she legally became Portia Lee James DeGeneres, though she continues using her stage name professionally.

Her name change represents one of the most complete reinventions on this list – from Australian Amanda to the seemingly Italian-descended Portia, creating an entirely new identity.

17. Tina Fey

Rather than a full name change, Elizabeth Stamatina Fey streamlined her identity to Tina Fey, a nickname drawn from her Greek middle name that’s now synonymous with sharp comedy.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, young Elizabeth showed early writing talent and a sharp wit. Unlike many on this list, her name change wasn’t about escaping her past or creating an alter ego – it was simply a more accessible version of her given name. Her comedy often draws from her real-life experiences, showing less separation between her stage persona and true self than many celebrities maintain.

The simplicity of “Tina Fey” mirrors her comedy style – straightforward, smart, and without unnecessary flourishes, yet distinctly memorable.

18. Snoop Dogg

The laid-back rap legend has gone through several name evolutions since being born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. in Long Beach, California. His mother nicknamed him “Snoopy” as a child because he reminded her of the Peanuts character. This evolved into “Snoop Doggy Dogg” when he began recording with Dr. Dre in the early 1990s.

Young Calvin faced legal troubles before music transformed his life. He later shortened his name to “Snoop Dogg” and even temporarily became “Snoop Lion” during a reggae phase after a spiritual journey to Jamaica. His various name changes reflect his artistic evolution and personal growth – from gangsta rap pioneer to mainstream entertainment icon.

Few stage names have become as culturally significant – “Snoop” has transcended music to become slang for relaxed coolness, perfectly capturing the essence of his public persona.

19. Alicia Keys

From Alicia Augello Cook to Alicia Keys, she has become one of the most iconic voices of her generation, with timeless hits rooted in soul and piano. She reportedly chose her stage name after rejecting other suggestions like “Wild” or “Rocks.”

Growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, young Alicia showed prodigious musical talent from age seven. Her mother’s determination kept her in piano lessons despite financial challenges. The Keys surname perfectly symbolizes her musical identity while creating a memorable, meaningful stage name that feels natural rather than manufactured.

Unlike many artists who completely reinvent themselves, Alicia kept her first name, creating continuity between her personal and professional identities while still crafting a distinctive brand that’s become synonymous with authentic, piano-driven soul music.

20. Cardi B

This bold rap superstar was born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in the Bronx to a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother. Her distinctive stage name originated from the rum brand Bacardi – her sister’s nickname was Hennessy (another alcohol brand), so friends called her “Bacardi,” which eventually shortened to “Cardi B.”

Young Belcalis worked as a stripper to escape poverty and domestic violence before finding fame through social media and reality TV. Her stage name perfectly captures her effervescent, intoxicating personality – much like the spirit it references. Unlike many celebrities who hide their past, Cardi B embraces her journey from stripper to chart-topping artist.

The name’s playful, memorable quality matches her unfiltered public persona, creating instant recognition that helped propel her from Instagram personality to Grammy-winning rapper with remarkable speed.