12 Celebrities You Never Knew Had Different Names Before They Changed Them

• Many celebrities we know and love today aren’t who they appeared to be at first glance—at least not by name.
• From screen legends of the golden era to contemporary chart-toppers, changing one’s name is a practice as old as the industry itself.
• For these 12 celebrities, a name change wasn’t just a formality—it marked the beginning of illustrious careers and legacies.

In show business, a name is not just a name; it is a brand, an identity, and sometimes, a new beginning. It is, therefore, not uncommon for celebrities to change their names, a practice often seen as a rite of passage and as old as Hollywood itself.

From iconic figures like Elton John to contemporary stars like Miley Cyrus, many famous personalities have adopted names that differ from those they were given at birth. But why do celebrities change their names?

Whoopi Goldberg’s name is as distinctive and vibrant as her persona. Born Caryn Elaine Johnson, she chose a stage name that would stand out as much as her performances. The name “Whoopi Goldberg” is not only memorable but also a reflection of her unique journey and identity.

Known for her iconic dreadlocks, warm smile, and incisive humor, Goldberg has carved out a significant place for herself in Hollywood. Her roles span the comedic to the dramatic, and as an African-American actress, she has been a trailblazer in the industry.

Goldberg once recounted that during her early days on stage, quick bathroom breaks were a luxury she couldn’t afford. This led to some natural, albeit embarrassing, moments that earned her a comparison to a whoopee cushion.

Embracing this bodily function, she adopted the name “Whoopi.” The last name “Goldberg” is not just a part of Whoopi Goldberg’s stage identity. It is a reflection of her multifaceted heritage. During a 2016 charity event in London, Goldberg embraced her Jewish roots.

She affirmed that “Goldberg” is indeed a family name that she holds dear, alongside her African-American heritage. It was posited that her mother, Emma Johnson, felt their original family name didn’t quite capture the essence needed for her daughter’s star potential.

Therefore, “Goldberg” was chosen, enriching her stage persona with a name that resonates with her background and the uniqueness that she brings to the entertainment world.

This decision has become a defining aspect of her legacy. Speaking of memorable names, another iconic figure who adopted a stage name is the “Rocket Man” himself, Elton John.

Elton John, the iconic singer, chose a stage name that mirrored the flamboyance of his stage presence. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, he would eventually emerge as the celebrated artist we recognize.

John once reflected on his transformation, stating, “When I became Elton John, it was like a new lease of life. I didn’t particularly like being Reg Dwight. It had too many unhappy memories. I hated the word ‘Reg’, anyway. It was just a horrible name. As soon as I was Elton, it was just great. It was like a new personality.”

The singer’s early life was overshadowed by his parents’ tumultuous relationship, oscillating between cold silences and fiery disputes. Sadly, his parent’s fights often centered around his upbringing. His father, a Royal Air Force serviceman, was often absent, and his sporadic attempts to impose discipline only fueled discord with John’s mother.

John believed their strained marriage persisted solely for his sake, a notion that contributed to his distress. Seeking solace, John would retreat to his bedroom, finding comfort in his records, comics, and dreams of emulating musical greats.

At 13, his parents divorced and found new partners, a change that John welcomed, though it did little to simplify his familial relationships. He maintained a closer bond with his mother, despite periods of estrangement. John acknowledges that his childhood remains a sensitive subject for him.

The transition from Reginald Dwight to Elton John signified more than a mere change of name; it was a profound transformation that enabled him to cast off the shadows of his past and step into a vibrant new identity.

This pivotal change was the beginning of his ascent to become one of the most influential musicians in history. Similarly, Meghan Markle is another figure who goes by a name different from the one on her birth certificate.

Meghan Markle, a name now associated with elegance, grit, and English royalty, resonates globally. Yet, many may not know that “Meghan” is her middle name. She was born Rachel Meghan Markle on August 4, 1981 in Los Angeles.

Her ascent to stardom was notable through her role as Rachel Zane on the hit series “Suits,” a charming nod to her given name, Rachel—a detail that might surprise even her most ardent followers.

Embracing “Meghan” in her professional sphere, Markle has established a persona that reflects the strength and memorability of the characters she’s portrayed and the influential roles she has taken on.

Similarly, Prince Harry is universally recognized by his nickname. Known the world over, Harry was born with the regal name Henry Charles Albert David. It’s true—the prince who has won over countless admirers is, in fact, a Henry.

Prince Harry shared this tidbit in a light-hearted exchange with a young winner at the WellChild Awards. “My name is Henry too,” he revealed, “but for some reason, everyone calls me Harry.” This off-the-cuff remark offers a peek into the informal naming customs of the British royal family.

While “Henry” is used in official capacities, “Harry” is the name he commonly uses. For instance, in the announcement of his engagement to Meghan Markle, he was referred to as “His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales.”

This practice isn’t new; it harks back to medieval times. “Harry” has traditionally been a friendly nickname for “Henry,” used even by kings of old, such as the renowned Henry VIII. This blend of formality and familiarity is a charming aspect of royal tradition.

Similarly, in Hollywood, people often change names to connect more intimately with audiences. For some, it’s about having a name that resonates, that’s easy on the tongue, and memorable in the mind of the masses.

Meg Ryan, affectionately dubbed “America’s Sweetheart,” resonates as a household name, particularly for her roles in cherished romantic comedies. She has entertained viewers worldwide with her portrayals in “Sleepless in Seattle,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “You’ve Got Mail.”

Yet, not everyone knows that her parents originally named her Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra. Her journey to stardom began at New York University. However, after just one semester, she left academia behind to chase her acting dreams.

During this pivotal transition, she embraced the stage name “Meg Ryan,” a concise and catchy name derived from her maternal grandmother’s maiden name.

The evolution from Margaret Hyra to Meg Ryan illustrates the impact of a name on one’s identity. The name “Meg Ryan” is simple but striking, mirroring the charisma and energy she infuses into every character she portrays.

In the same vein as Ryan, many actors find that a name can be a powerful tool in crafting a public persona. It’s a conscious choice, a reinvention that often marks the beginning of a new chapter in the limelight.

Enter Charlie Sheen, a name that evokes both the allure of Hollywood and its attendant controversies. However, it is not the birth name of the actor. He entered the world as Carlos Irwin Estévez, son of the acclaimed actor Martin Sheen.

Charlie’s first foray into acting was at the tender age of nine, with a small part in the notable TV film “The Execution of Private Slovik,” which featured his father. The differing surnames between father and son stem from Martin’s early struggles as an aspiring actor in New York.

Originally named Ramón Estevez, he encountered frequent mispronunciations of his name. Seeking a more accessible stage name, he honored two individuals he admired. Fulton J. Sheen was a charismatic American archbishop, while Robert Dale Martin, was a casting director at CBS.

Although he adopted “Martin Sheen” professionally, he never legally changed his birth name. In a family of performers, Charlie was the sole sibling to embrace his father’s theatrical surname He also modified his first name to fit the Anglophone context of his career.

His siblings, Emilio, Ramòn, and Renée, opted to retain the Estevez family name, while still following their father’s path in the entertainment industry.

This pursuit of a name that resonates with fame and leaves a lasting impression on the marquee is not unique to Martin Sheen and his son. It’s a path also traversed by another prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Katy Perry, celebrated for her dynamic pop anthems and exuberant stage presence, entered the world as Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson. Her musical odyssey commenced with a gospel record dubbed “Katy Hudson.”

As she pivoted to mainstream pop, Perry embraced a pivotal name change. She retained “Katy” and took on her mother’s maiden name, “Perry,” to craft a distinct stage identity and sidestep any mix-up with the famed actress Kate Hudson.

Much like the careful orchestration behind the creation of Katy Perry’s stage name, other stars in Hollywood have also crafted their names with precision, ensuring that their names echo in the halls of fame and fit snugly on the bright billboards of Sunset Boulevard.

Among such stars is Tom Cruise, the star of “Risky Business” and many other blockbuster films, who was born Thomas Cruise Mapother IV. Shortening his name to Tom Cruise was a strategic move to create a memorable and marketable brand in Hollywood.

His decision was a masterstroke in personal branding, ensuring his name was as unforgettable as his performances. The name “Tom Cruise,” with its easy pronunciation and recall, has since become synonymous with high-octane action and charismatic performances.

Cruise’s adept rebranding set a precedent in Hollywood, where a name is not just an identifier but a key element of an actor’s brand. It’s a strategy that has been emulated by many, ensuring that their names resonate with audiences and capture the essence of their on-screen personas.

Similarly, Demi Moore, another icon of the silver screen, embraced a version of her birth name that would one day become emblematic of her powerful performances. Moore, known for her roles in films like “Ghost” and “A Few Good Men,” was born Demetria Gene Guynes.

“Demi” is short for her given name Demetria. “Demi Moore” became her professional name after her marriage to musician Freddie Moore. Even after their divorce, she kept his last name, cementing her star status with a name as striking as her on-screen persona.

Moore’s decision to retain her professional name post-divorce exemplifies the significance of a name in maintaining an established brand within the entertainment industry. It’s a testament to the power of a well-chosen stage name.

In a similar vein, Miley Cyrus, who stepped into the spotlight at a young age, embraced a nickname that reflected her cheerful childhood spirit. “Miley” has since become a symbol of her dynamic presence in music, illustrating how a name can embody one’s public persona and artistic identity.

The pop icon celebrated for her vivacious stage acts and hit songs, was originally named Destiny Hope Cyrus. The daughter of 1990s country star Billy Ray Cyrus, she earned the nickname “Miley” due to her sunny disposition as a child.

In 2008, she legally changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus, adopting the nickname that had become her identity. As she explained, she was always Miley since birth, and the official name change was simply a recognition of who she truly was.

Cyrus’s name change was a formal acknowledgment of the identity she had always embraced, a reflection of her authentic self. It’s a narrative familiar in the entertainment world, where names are often chosen to represent the true essence of the artist.

Julianne Moore’s journey to stardom began as Julie Anne Smith, a name that would evolve alongside her career. Her transformation into “Julianne Moore” marked the emergence of an actress whose name is now synonymous with depth and sophistication, much like the characters she brings to life on screen.

Her artistic inclinations were nurtured in 1977 in Frankfurt, Germany, where a high school drama teacher saw her potential and urged her to pursue acting. She honed her craft at Boston University’s School of Performing Arts.

When she turned professional, she encountered a hurdle. Her quintessentially American name was too commonplace for the Actors Equity Association. “There was already a Julie Smith, a Julie Anne Smith, there was everything,” she recounted.

To avoid confusion and honor her parents, she combined her mother’s name, Anne, with her father’s middle name, Moore. Although initially uneasy about abandoning her lifelong name, she found that “Julianne Moore” resonated with a certain grace befitting her emerging career.

Moore’s amalgamation of her parents’ names into a singular, graceful identity is a poignant example of how a name can be both a tribute and a personal brand. It’s a delicate balance that many in the spotlight navigate, crafting a name that honors their heritage while also fitting the marquee.

Helen Mirren, another esteemed figure in the acting industry, was born Ilynea Lydia Petrovna Mironoff in London’s Chiswick district. The daughter of Vasiliy Petrovich “Basil” Mironoff, of Russian noble descent, she experienced a significant change early in life.

At nine, her father legally altered their surname to “Mirren.” Her metamorphosis into Helen Mirren, a name that now commands respect and admiration, mirrors a journey of self-discovery and adaptation, much like the transformative roles she embodies.

The reasons are as varied as the stars themselves. One common reason is the desire for privacy. A stage name can provide a layer of separation between the public persona and the private individual. For some, it helps to maintain some semblance of normalcy in their personal lives.

For celebrities, a name can be much more than just a label. It can influence a celebrity’s brand, shape their public image, and even play a role in their personal and professional journeys. As we’ve seen in the stories of these celebrities, the reasons for changing a name are as varied as the stars themselves.

For some, adopting a stage name erects a boundary between the persona they present to the world and the individuality they cherish in private. This grants them a slice of normalcy amidst their extraordinary lives.

For others, the quest is for resonance—a name that rolls off the tongue, lodges itself in the collective memory, and shines under the spotlight. It’s a name designed to emblazon billboards and embody the brand they envision.

Moreover, a name change can be a deliberate branding strategy. A new name can signal a fresh start, a transformation, or a shift in career direction. Such a change empowers celebrities to shape their image and influence public perception.