13 Celebrities Who Changed Their Name (And Why)

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13 Celebrities Who Changed Their Name (And Why)

The entertainment industry is well-known for being difficult to break into. So, if your given name gives you an advantage, you might consider using a stage name. After all, a rose by any other name might not be as sweet, or as famous.

This is also true of celebrities. They chose a different name for a variety of reasons, including privacy issues and distinctiveness, but something that would connect with followers while providing a personalized feel that harkens back to their past.

Before breaking into the entertainment world, most celebrities alter their names. However, several celebrities, such as Kanye West (now known as Ye), have changed their names during their careers.

Whatever the cause, such titles continue to symbolize their actual selves and history while still providing distinctiveness. Here are several celebrities who have altered their names for various reasons, ranging from paying honor to their beloved superheroes as well as pets to early nicknames.

For example…

Shania Twain

Shania Twain Eilleen Edwards wasn't impressed much by her real name. When she was adopted, she took the her dad's name Twain. When the record label told her she needed a name change, she changed her first name instead, to continue to honor her father. CRACKED.COM

Source: Outsider

Dr Dre

Dr Dre André Romelle Young changed his stage name to basketball player Julius Erving's nickname: Dr J, then went to Dr Dre to include his own name. CRACKED.COM

Source: ESPN

Katy Perry

Katy Perry Katheryn Hudson changed her name SO she wouldn't be confused with already established actor Kate Hudson. CRACKED.COM

Source: The List

Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris BR WA Adam Wiles' motives for a name change are rather questionable... he wanted a more racially ambiguous name when he first released a soul track. CRACKED.COM

Source: Esquire

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey Before settling on the stage name, Elizabeth Woolridge Grant went by other stage names including Lizzy Grant and Sparkle Jump Rope Queen. CRACKED.COM

Source: Vogue

Cookie Monster

Cookie Monster In a song in 2007 (and again in 2017), Cookie Monster revealed his real name was Sidney Monster. CRACKED.COM

Source: WIRED

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