40 Famous Singers Who Changed Their Names

Singers, like many people in the entertainment business, choose to change their names to stand out from the crowd. They want to be noticed, and their name, though not always, is part of their musical identity and branding.

Thousands of well-known singers have changed their names, so it would be impossible to cover anything other than a small proportion of them. Consequently, I have kept things very manageable and cut my list down to just 40 famous singers who changed their names.

Some of these you will know, but I promise you that a few will be a surprise. Let’s get to it and take a look at the first singer that changed their name.

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40 Famous Singers Who Changed Their Names

Bruno Mars

Actual Name: Peter Gene Hernandez

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Bruno was chosen since it was already a nickname that had been given to him by his father at just two years old. The “Uptown Funk” singer then added Mars after joking around with a friend when he said that Mars sounded larger than life. Good choice.

Lizzo

Actual Name: Melissa Viviane Jefferson

The “Truth Hurts” singer initially shortened her first name and went by Lissa. However, thankfully, she thought better of it and decided to use a form of the Jay-Z song, “Izzo,” and then adapted it to Lizzo. A much better choice, I’m sure you would agree. 

Alicia Keys 

Actual Name: Alicia Augello Cook

Alicia was looking for a good stage name to boost her career. She originally came up with the name Wilde. Not a bad choice, but thankfully, her manager, Jeff Robinson, suggested the name Keys following a dream he’d had. A good choice and one that undoubtedly reflects her love of the piano. All good then for the “If I Ain’t Got You” singer.

Puff Daddy

Actual Name: Sean Jean Combs

This is going to get complicated, so you have been warned. The singer best known for his monster hit, “I’ll Be Missing You,” had a series of name changes. He started as Puffy, which was a childhood nickname, and then moved to Puff Daddy. Later, he shortened things down to P. Diddy, then went a step further to Diddy. 

Not content, he became known by his birth name, Sean Jean, but quickly got bored and returned to Puff Daddy. Finally, another shift took him to Brother Love which was shorted down to Love. Some timeline! And, very probably already in need of updating.

Shuhada Davitt

Actual Name: Sinead O’Connor

We all know Sinead O’Conner for her wonderful hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U”. However, if I asked you to name a single piece of music by Shuhada Davitt, all I would likely get back is blank stares and head-scratching. 

Shuhada Davitt has therefore seemed to have picked a name that will push her further into obscurity. She cites the name change as being for religious reasons, which cannot be knocked. Realistically though, this is just career suicide.

Miley Cyrus

Actual Name: Destiney Hope Cyrus

I think Miley Cyrus’ actual name is pretty cool. But, not cool enough so for this budding superstar. Consequently, she opted for “Miley” as a shortened version of “Smiley,” which was her nickname at school. Apparently, the only person these days to call her Destiney is her grandmother. Bless!

Lorde

Actual Name: Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor

I am a big fan, with my favorite track being “Supercut.” There was no special process in coming upon the name, and she has explained that initially, the name Lord was chosen. However, to make it more feminine, she decided to add an ‘e.’ Good decisions and a great name choice. 

Stormzy

Actual Name: Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo, Jr.

Stormzy, the singer of “Own It,” is a British rapper with one heck of a difficult real name to remember or pronounce. Therefore, he made the very wise decision early on in his career to change it to something that sounded memorable and cool. He came up with Stormzy for no apparent reason, and frankly, I think he nailed it. 

David Bowie

Actual Name: David Robert Jones

I’m one of David Bowie’s biggest fans and still marvel at seeing him live in 1978 and watching open-mouthed as he performed “Ziggy Stardust.” I wish he had permanently taken on the name of Ziggy Stardust rather than just as a temporary alter-ego. But David Bowie was still pretty cool. He apparently chose the name as an adaptation of the American pioneer James Bowie.

Alice Cooper

Actual Name: Vincent Damon Furnier

Alice Cooper is best known for the song “School’s Out.” And also, most probably, as being a golf-playing ex-alcoholic. He changed his name to Alice Copper after the band he was in with the same name split up. He decided to legally change his name to Alice Copper to thereby secure it as his stage name. 

Calvin Harris

Actual Name: Adam Richard Wiles

This is a strange one because Calvin decided he wanted to be known by a name that would blur his racial identity. He believed that his real name was too closely associated with being white and that Calvin might give the impression he was black. I am sure that the “Summer” singer would have just done fine regardless. Interesting choice.

Bill Wyman

Actual Name: William George Perks, Jr.

Not many people know Bill Wyman changed his name, and yet fewer still have a good idea why he did so. It is thought that it was because he did not feel confident with his own name. A strange thought now, given his phenomenal success with The Rolling Stones and his huge contribution to the band with songs like “Paint It Black.” 

Apparently, his name change may have originated from Jane Wyman, who was the ex of the actor and former US President Ronald Reagan. 

Birdy

Actual Name: Jasmine Lucilla Elizabeth Jennifer van Den Bogaerde

Blimey! That is one long name, and there is no way she could use all of it. Although, surely going as Jasmine or Jennifer would have been OK. Regardless, this incredible British singer went with the nickname Birdy given to her by her parents. A wonderful talent, and I still get goosebumps every time I listen to “Skinny Love.”

Cher

Actual Name: Cherilyn Sarkisian

Cher is clearly just a shortened version of her full name. However, before she settled on this, she tried the stage name Bonnie Jo Mason. She also tried using her real name Cherilyn, but for whatever reason, she felt this didn’t work for her. The “If I Could Turn Back Time” singer probably made a good decision.

J.Lo

Actual Name: Jennifer Lopez

J.Lo, the singer of “On The Floor,” has used this name for quite a while now. But, unlike a lot of others on this list of 40 famous singers who changed their names, she went by her birth name for quite some time before making the switch. Furthermore, she may or may not have switched back to her original name and seems to flip between the two now as the mood takes her. 

Billy Idol

Actual Name: William Michael Albert Broad

Billy Idol came up with the name as a combination of his shortened first name and the word his chemistry teacher called him at school, namely, “idle.” He felt that tweaking the last name gave him an anarchic-sounding stage name that was well-suited for the kind of music he wanted to play. A great choice by the “Rebel Yell” singer. 

Bob Dylan

Actual Name: Robert Allen Zimmerman

I get why the singer of “Mr. Tambourine Man” chose to shorten his first name to Bob. It is a very common thing to do. I also get that he chose to go by the name of Dylan because he loved the poet Dylan Thomas. It’s a highly appropriate choice for one of the greatest lyricists we have ever seen in music. Furthermore, Bob Dylan legally changed his name in 1962.

Halsey

Actual Name: Ashley Nicolette Frangipane

The singer decided that she did not want to use her own name because she didn’t have the confidence in herself to succeed. By changing her name, she felt like it was a new persona, and the new person was not held back by history or negativity. She came by the new name by simply making an anagram of her first name, Ashley.

Elton John

Actual Name: Reginald Kenneth Dwight

Elton John is one of the most successful musicians who changed their name on the planet. His single, “Candle in The Wind,” is the second most successful in history. It sold over 33 million copies. Elton John chose his name as a mash-up between the names of singer Lord John Baldry and legendary saxophonist Elton Dean.

Iggy Pop

Actual Name: James Newell Osterburg, Jr.

Iggy, “The Passenger” Pop, got his first name from his bandmates, who called him Iggy after having previously played in a band known as The Iguanas. Subsequently, Iggy shaved off his eyebrows one day, and this reminded everyone of a friend called Jimmy Pop, who had no hair at all, including no eyebrows. 

Consequently, Iggy got tagged with Pop. Iggy thought it sounded cool and very musical, so decided to keep it. 

Jay-Z

Actual Name: Shawn Corey Carter

Jay-Z is originally from Brooklyn and, as a child, was called Jazzy because he lived close to the J/Z train station. As he entered the world of music, he decided to encompass the initials into his name, and hence he became Jay-Z. A sound decision from the “Empire State of Mind” rapper.

The Weeknd

Actual Name: Abel Tesfaye

I have to say that of all the 40 famous singers who changed their names; this is the strangest. Abel Tesfaye thinks this sounds cool, but I honestly think that it is too similar to the Canadian bad, The Weekend, and consequently confusing. 

Plus, if you have never heard of this guy, or his music, like the single “Blinding Lights,” you would be forgiven for thinking he was a band. I reckon he should have called himself by one of the days of the week. How about “Thursdy”?

Cat Stevens

Actual Name: Steven Georgiou

Cat Stevens had brought us some amazing music over the years. My favorite of his songs is “Oh Very Young.” He changed his name earlier in his career to have a more impactful name. 

However, when he later converted to Islam, he went against this and became known as Yusuf Islam. This is now the name he goes by, so it might be more accurate to say it’s Cat Stevens’ actual name as well as his stage name. Confusing!

Stevie Wonder

Actual Name: Stevland Hardaway Judkins

The singer of “Sir Duke” originally got the name in 1961 from Ronnie White, who was then a member of the phenomenally successful group, The Miracles. At the time, Ronnie called Stevie “Little Stevie Wonder” due to his staggering skills on the keyboard. However, as Stevie got older, the “Little” part of his name was appropriately dropped.  

Freddie Mercury

Actual Name: Farrokh Bulsara

Freddie Mercury is pretty much the undisputed greatest-ever frontman of Rock. He was the driving force behind Queen, who had a string of hits throughout their long and highly successful career. Perhaps their best-known hit is either “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “We Are the Champions.” Freddie Mercury’s name change came in 1970 when the Queen was formed. 

Lana Del Rey

Actual Name: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant

I am a big fan of her music and loved her breakthrough single, “Video Games.” She came about her name in a rather unusual way by combining the name of a classic Ford automobile, the Ford Del Rey, and the famous actress Lana Turner. It’s a strange pairing, but there is no doubt that it works. 

Elvis Costello

Actual Name: Declan Patrick Aloysius Macmanus

Of the 40 famous singers who changed their names on this list, it’s obvious that Elvis Costello is not his real name. Elvis Costello is a hugely talented musician who came to prominence in the late 70s and early 80s. He’s best known for hits “Pump it Up” and “Alison.” He changed his name by taking Elvis Presley’s first name and combining it with his dad’s stage name, Costello. It suits him.

Snoop Dogg

Actual Name: Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr.

The artist, whose hits include “Who Am I (What’s My Name),” had his good old mum to thank for his name change. When Snoop Dogg was a child, he loved the animated cartoon Snoopy. His mum suggested the name, and it stuck. When he brought out his debut album in 1993, he was known as Snoop Doggy Dogg, but that quickly got shortened. 

M.I.A.

Actual Name: Mathangi Arulpragasam

M.I.A. is a British-born rapper with a Sri Lankan heritage. She is arguably best known for her hit, “Borders.” Just one glance at M.I.A.’s real name is enough to realize that for most non-Asians, her name would create problems to pronounce. M.I.A. couldn’t be easier. I am sure you will agree.

Eminem

Actual Name: Marshall Mathers

Do you know how Eminem got his name? He got it by using the initials of his first and last name. M&M would have been probably too like the well-known candy. So, Eminem came up with a clever and altogether better alternative. 

As many of you will already know, he also goes by the alias of Slim Shady. “The Real Slim Shady,” if you haven’t heard it is a great piece of music and well worth a listen.

John Legend

Actual Name: John Roger Stephens

The “All Of Me” singer was given the name Legend by one of his friends, J. Ivy, who felt he was a musical legend, so should embrace and use the name. John Legend liked it and decided to keep it. And, quite frankly, why wouldn’t you? Most of my friends give me names that can’t be printed and that I most definitely wouldn’t want to use. I think I need better friends.

Nicki Minaj

Actual Name: Onika Tanya Maraj

When she started her career, the Trinidad-born rapper of hits like “MEGATRON” called herself Nicki Maraj. I kind of like it, but for whatever reason, she settled for Nicki Minaj, and it doesn’t seem to have done her any harm.

Fergie

Actual Name: Stacy Ann Ferguson

Fergie is probably better known for her stint as the lead singer with the Black Eyed Peas. However, she still enjoyed a very successful solo career with hits such as “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” When she went solo, she retained and used the name she had been called during her time with the Black Eyed Peas. Her name was derived by using an abbreviated version of her surname.

Kate Perry

Actual Name: Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson

This name change makes a lot of sense to me. Kate Perry changed her name because she didn’t want to be confused with the actress Kate Hudson. Not a bad person to get mixed up with, but I still get it. At least now, the “Roar” singer very much has her own identity.

Izzy Azalea

Actual Name: Amethyst Amelia Kelly

The Australian rapper, famed for her great song “Fancy,” is another of the 40 famous singers who changed their name. But how did Iggy Azalea get her name?

Well, by using the name of her pet and the name of her street. I am considering doing this myself as I think “Kim St. Dobson” sounds kind of catchy. However, if I was Izzy, I think I would have just gone with Amethyst, as I honestly think it’s a better name.

Pink

Actual Name: Alecia Beth Moore

It should come as no surprise that Pink is not the singer’s real name. However, it might surprise you to learn how Pink got her name. It came about as a consequence of her mates watching the movie Reservoir Dogs and seeing a likeness to one of the characters, Mr. Pink. I don’t see it myself. But the name stuck, and it hasn’t hurt her career in any way. 

Lady Gaga

Actual Name: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

Lady Gaga, famed for hits like “Bad Romance,” came about her new name from the song “Radio Ga Ga” from the British Rock group Queen. It was her friends who came up with the suggestion. A great idea, and it now feels like it fits like a glove. 

Pitbull

Actual Name: Armando Christian Pérez

The “Rain Over Me” singer got his name from the dog breed. He saw a lot of similarities between himself and the character of the dog. He likened the dog’s tenacity and never backing down regardless of the odds as mirroring his qualities. 

Rag ‘n’ Bone Man

Actual Name: Rory Charles Graham

This mountain of a man, famous for his hit, “Human,” got his name from an idea based on watching an old British TV comedy show called “Steptoe and Son.” It featured a pair of Rag ‘n’ Bone men, and he thought the idea of using this as his stage name had a great Blues feel to it. A solid choice.

Bono

Actual Name: Paul David Hewson

I am rounding off the list with everyone’s favorite Irish rocker. He was apparently given the nickname Bono Vox early in his career. When he was first called it, he didn’t like it. However, when he learned that the name was derived from Latin and meant “good voice,” he grew to accept it. We certainly can’t argue with the quality of his voice, and if you don’t believe me take a listen, “One.” 

Want to Learn About More Famous Singers?

If so, check out our thoughts on the Most Famous American Singers Of All Time, the Most Famous British Singers, the Most Famous Puerto Rican Singers, the Most Famous Male Country Singers Of All Time, the Most Famous Blues Singers, and the Most Famous Lesbian Singers Of All Time for more incredible song selections.

40 Famous Singers Who Changed Their Names – Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed the list and found it all as fascinating as I did. I already knew a lot about these name changes, but I have to confess that some of the famous singers who changed their names came as a shock.

Which of the name changes did you find most surprising? Do you have any interesting stories or anything you would like to add concerning any of these singers? If so, please let me know in the comments section below.

Until next time, happy listening.