Reinvention happens in Hollywood, not just frequently—it’s almost a tradition. One of the best indicators of that is on billboards and marquee signs themselves. Some celebrities change their birth names for easier-to-pronounce alternatives, more glamorous monikers, or simply more “Hollywood-esque.” Others do it for very personal reasons. Check out 10 of the most compelling celebrity name changes, from sincere to utterly on a whim.
10. Lily James
Lily James was once called Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, but became famous from Cinderella and Pam & Tommy. After that, she changed her stage name to “James” in order to pay tribute to her dad, James Thomson, who died in 2008. So, her name became a reminder as well as a symbol to everyone that he was always with her in her work.
9. Elton John
Reginald Kenneth Dwight just didn’t turn into a rock legend. Inspired by saxophonist Elton Dean and vocalist Long John Baldry, he took the name Elton John and, for show, “Hercules” was later added as his middle name. He once said that going to see Elton John was “a new lease on life”—and it really was.
8. Winona Ryder
Winona Laura Horowitz was renamed “Ryder” unintentionally. While she was being interviewed about the credit for her name, a Mitch Ryder record played in the background. The name was fitting, and in no time, Winona Ryder became the face of ‘90s cinema.
7. Marilyn Monroe
She changed her name from Norma Jeane Mortenson (or Baker, depending on the documents) to Marilyn Monroe following a studio decision. “Marilyn” was picked because it sounded glamorous, and “Monroe” was from her mother’s family name. It wasn’t until 1956—the year of her super-stardom—that she legally made it official.
6. Jamie Foxx
Eric Marlon Bishop observed that female comedians were called upon first at open mics, so he wittily opted for the name “Jamie” to increase his opportunities. With the addition of “Foxx” as a reference to Redd Foxx, he constructed a stage name that took him from stand-up clubs to an Oscar-winning career.
5. Kirk Douglas
Issur Danielovitch understood that Hollywood wasn’t prepared for his given name, so he changed to Kirk Douglas before going on to be one of the largest stars of his time. Later in life, however, he said he regretted changing his given name, deeming it more distinctive and potent. Regardless, the Douglas dynasty continued through his illustrious son, Michael.
4. Emma Stone
She was born Emily Jean Stone, but when she signed up for the Screen Actors Guild, there was already an Emily Stone listed. Having to choose a new name, she settled on “Emma,” although she’s confessed that she still would prefer using Emily. Close friends and co-stars often do.
3. Michael Keaton
Michael John Douglas had an issue: two Michael Douglases already worked in the business. Leafing through a phone directory, he came upon “Keaton” and stuck with it. Decades on, he’s thinking of giving himself credit as Michael Keaton Douglas, merging his actual and performing names finally.
2. Reese Witherspoon
Her real full name is Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon, but she decided to promote her middle name. “Reese” had more energy and was more catchy, and she soon got famous by that name. Thus, a few of her closest friends in the film industry weren’t aware that her first name is not really Reese.
1. Rihanna
Despite being globally known by her middle name, Rihanna, her full name is Robyn. She’s still Robyn at home and with her closest circle of friends, a fact that, under the global superstar facade, she’s still the same Barbados girl.
It is not just a name in Hollywood; a name is a brand, a heritage, and sometimes, an homage. These alterations in names declare that identity in the entertainment world is very much a thing of being reestablished as much as it is of giving talent, whether picked for the purpose of strategy, style, or sentiment.