Some artists choose to change their names for fame. Stage names have been popular for centuries as a way of allowing celebs to create a boundary between their personal and professional identities. For some performers, it’s easier to show up as the most confident and self-assured version of themselves by taking on a different and more powerful persona.
Some artists opt for stage names because their regular name belongs to someone else who’s already famous. Others go this route because their regular names are forgettable or boring. Being memorable is undeniably important if you truly want to make it as a star. (For a different type of list relating to famous folks, click here to find out which small towns most celebrities come from.)
To gather this list of artists who have seen their names for fame, 24/7 Tempo consulted several music-centered publications. These include Planet Radio, Music Gateway, iHeart, and Classic Rock History.
Katy Perry’s real name is Katheryn Hudson
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Katy Perry performs on stage during the Coronation Concert on May 07, 2023 in Windsor, England. The Windsor Castle Concert is part of the celebrations of the Coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the other Commonwealth realms that took place at Westminster Abbey yesterday. High-profile performers will entertain members of the royal family and 20,000 guests including 10,000 members of the public.
When Katy Perry was first starting out as a musician, she knew right away that it would behoove her to change her name. Since Kate Hudson was already famous as an actress, Perry didn’t want to risk confusion. She decided to change her name to by pulling the “Perry” from her mother’s maiden name.
Freddie Mercury’s real name is Farrokh Bulsara
Freddie Mercury decided to change his name from Farrokh Bulsara after feeling inspired by one of his songs. He released “my very king“ with a line that said, “mother, mercury, look what they’ve done to me.“ Around then, he legally changed his name to honor those lyrics. As a reminder, Mercury is the lead singer from the rock band queen that performed music from 1970 until 1991.
Lana Del Rey’s real name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant
Lana Del Rey has changed her name a handful of times since getting started in the music industry. Her real name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant. People who knew her early music recognized her as Lizzie Grant. She changed her name to May Jailer in 2006, but that name didn’t stick either. She dropped an album called “Lana Del Ray AKA Lizzie Grant” with an “A” in her last name in 2010. In 2012, she finally made the official changed to Lana Del Rey with an “E” in the last name.
Stevie Wonder’s real name is Stevland Hardaway Judkins
Although Stevie Wonder went blind as a child, he successfully learned how to play multiple instruments as he perfected his vocal abilities. The list of instruments Wonder plays is extensive including the harmonica, the synthesizer, the drums, the organ, the cabinet, bongos, the congas, and most famously, the piano. He was nicknamed “a little wonder” for his uncanny talent. The nickname stuck around as his new last name. He ultimately stopped going by his birth name: Stevland Hardaway Judkins.
Nicki Minaj’s real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty
Nicki Minaj is one of the first superstars that comes to mind when thinking about female rappers. Interestingly enough, her stage name wasn’t one she chose for herself, nor was it a name she actually wanted. She she told The Guardian, “One of the first production deals I signed, the guy wanted my name to be Minaj and I fought him tooth and nail. But he convinced me. I’ve always hated it. “Her birth name is Onika Tanya Maraj. After getting married, Petty was added to her last name.
Bob Dylan’s real name is Robert Allen Zimmerman
As of now, the real reason behind why Robert Allen Zimmerman decided to change his name to Bob Dylan is a mystery. Music lovers assumed that he chose the name based on his admiration for a famous poet named Dylan Thomas. That assumption is completely false, though. He told the New York Times, “I did not take my name from Dylan Thomas. Dylan Thomas’s poetry is for people that aren’t really satisfied in their bed — for people who dig masculine romance.” The talented singer left out any further explanation.
Miley Cyrus’s real name is Destiny Hope Cyrus
Ever since she landed the titular role on Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana,” Miley Cyrus has been one of the most popular actresses and musicians of this generation. Interestingly enough, her real name is actually Destiny Hope Cyrus. Since she was always smiling as a baby, her family would affectionately call her “Smiley.” Eventually, the “S” fell off and her name turned to Miley.
Elvis Costello’s real name is Declan Patrick Aloysius Macmanus
Elvis Costello is a talented musician who’s known as a singer, songwriter, and record producer. Would it surprise you to find out that Elvis isn’t actually his first name? He was given the name Declan Patrick Aloysius Macmanus at birth, but he chose to go in a different direction. His manager suggested he borrow the name “Elvis” from Elvis Presley, since Presley was a star to gain inspiration from throughout the 50s and 60s.
Lady Gaga’s real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta is Lady Gaga’s real name. She opened up to Insider about her decision to go for such a peculiar name as a celebrity. She said, “[My manager] started to call me ‘gaga’ when I’d come into the studio. I decided that I’d been playing under my real name for so long, I wanted to reinvent myself. So I said, ‘What about Lady Gaga, because Gaga is sort of crazy and Lady has such connotations.’” The eccentric name has taken her far.
Iggy Azalea’s real name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly
Iggy Azalea’s birth name was arguably interesting enough and rare enough to carry the weight of any celebrity on the rise. Her birth name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly, but she opted for a stage name instead. Iggy Azalea consists of her favorite childhood dog’s name (Iggy) and the street she grew up on, which was Azalea Street. Her family still resides there today.
The Weeknd’s real name is Abel Tesfaye
Since the start of his career, Abel Tesfaye has been going by The Weeknd as his stage name. The Canadian singer seems to be set on potentially returning to his roots at this point. As of May 2023, W Magazine reports that he’s interested in going by his birth name again. He said, “This is something that I have to do. As The Weeknd, I’ve said everything I can say.” Will his diehard fans honor the decision? Only time will tell.
Fergie’s real name is Stacy Ann Ferguson
Fergie’s real name is Stacy Ann Ferguson. Her stage name is simply a shortened variation of her last name, making it easier for fans to chant whenever she’s performing songs on stage. While she was married to her ex-husband, Josh Duhamel, she went by Fergie Duhamel. They are now divorced and the pop star simply goes by Fergie once again.
Lorde’s real name is Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor
When Lorde splashed onto the music scene, it was a dramatic moment for pop music lovers. Her first major song was “Royals” which was relatable to just about anyone who’s dealt with money struggles before. She revealed on “60 Minutes” that she chose the stage name, Lorde, since it represents her attraction to aristocracy and the feeling of being royal. She noted that she added an “E” to the end of the name to bring about a little more femininity. Her real name is Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor.
Cardi B’s real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus
Even though Cardi B’s real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus, it’s not the name she goes by when she’s performing in front of crowds. She chose her stage name based on a popular alcoholic beverage — Bacardi. On a side note, her younger sister goes by Hennessy Carolina, which is another name based on an obvious alcoholic drink. Cardi B’s stage name is one that the Hip Hop music community openly embraced when she first started her career.
Shania Twain’s real name is Eilleen Regina Edwards
Plenty of diehard fans would agree that the world of country music is in a better place because of Shania Twain and her undeniable talent. Her real name is actually Eileen Regina Edwards, but she changed it to honor her stepfather’s Ojibwa heritage. Shania is a name that means “ she’s on her way.” The name’s meaning is certainly inspiring for people who care about progressing toward the future. Twain was born in Canada, but her country music prowess helps her fit in with country music stars born right in the U.S. Click here to read up on some amazing country stars who were born in Tennessee.