Do You Know These Celebrities' Real Names?

When working in Hollywood, it's a no-brainer that you have to have an impactful name. Do you know which celebrities have pretty modest surnames, and which ones adopted completely new monikers in order to stand out from the crowd?

What's Jennifer Aniston's real name?

Correct

The reason Jennifer Aniston dropped her original surname, Anastassakis, was on the advice of her godfather, actor Terry Savalas. 

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The reason Jennifer Aniston dropped her original surname, Anastassakis, was on the advice of her godfather, actor Terry Savalas. 

What's Faith Hills Real Name?

Correct

Faith Hills' real name is actually Audrey Faith Perry. She went by Faith for her stage name and rose to stardom while she was married to Daniel Hill. Despite getting married to Tim McGraw, she kept her last name.

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Faith Hills' real name is actually Audrey Faith Perry. She went by Faith for her stage name and rose to stardom while she was married to Daniel Hill. Despite getting married to Tim McGraw, she kept her last name.

What's Ringo Starr's real name?

Correct

Richard Starkey became Ringo Starr because he always wore a gold ring while playing, and his drum solos were frequently called "Starr Time" by his college buddies.

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Richard Starkey became Ringo Starr because he always wore a gold ring while playing, and his drum solos were frequently called "Starr Time" by his college buddies.

What's Elton John's real name?

Correct

Elton John changed his name in 1972 as an homage to Bluesology bandmembers Elton Dean and Long John Baldry, whom he played with for some time.

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Elton John changed his name in 1972 as an homage to Bluesology bandmembers Elton Dean and Long John Baldry, whom he played with for some time.

What is Travis Scott's real name?

Correct

The "SICKO MODE" rapper actually has a name with strong family ties. That's why his daughter with Kylie Jenner uses "Webster" as her last name. 

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The "SICKO MODE" rapper actually has a name with strong family ties. That's why his daughter with Kylie Jenner uses "Webster" as her last name. 

What's Olivia Wilde's real name?

Correct

The actress was so enamored by her role as Gwendolyn in her high school's production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest that she changed her last name from Cockburn to Wilde.

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The actress was so enamored by her role as Gwendolyn in her high school's production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest that she changed her last name from Cockburn to Wilde.

What's Lady Gaga's real name?

Correct

Stefani Germanotta was inspired by Queen's "Radio Ga-Ga" song for her stage name. "Lady" came to be from a typo during a text exchange with her manager.

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Stefani Germanotta was inspired by Queen's "Radio Ga-Ga" song for her stage name. "Lady" came to be from a typo during a text exchange with her manager.

What is Nina Dobrev's real name?

Correct

The former Vampire Diaries star has a super long first, middle, and last name thanks to her Russian heritage. Her stage name is a much shorter version. 

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The former Vampire Diaries star has a super long first, middle, and last name thanks to her Russian heritage. Her stage name is a much shorter version. 

What's John Legend's real name? 

Correct

Famous singer John Legend was actually born "John Roger Stephen," but we can all agree that "Legend" has a little more pizazz. 

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Famous singer John Legend was actually born "John Roger Stephen," but we can all agree that "Legend" has a little more pizazz. 

What's Natalie Portman's real name?

Correct

Neta-Lee is pretty close to Natalie, and Portman does have a classic Hollywood sound to it. 

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Neta-Lee is pretty close to Natalie, and Portman does have a classic Hollywood sound to it. 

What is Bruno Mars' real name?

Correct

The "Uptown Funk" singer couldn't have a less funky real name. Who knew the king of soul's real name was Peter Gene Hernandez?

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The "Uptown Funk" singer couldn't have a less funky real name. Who knew the king of soul's real name was Peter Gene Hernandez?

What's Gigi Hadid's real name?

Correct

Gigi Hadid is proud of her Dutch-Palestinian heritage but shortened her name for editorial purposes. Gigi does have a pretty chic ring to it.

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Gigi Hadid is proud of her Dutch-Palestinian heritage but shortened her name for editorial purposes. Gigi does have a pretty chic ring to it.

What's Stevie Wonder's real name? 

Correct

Stevie Wonder changed his name from Steveland Judkins after an executive at his Motown record kept referring to him by the "Wonder" nickname due to his talent, and it just stuck.

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Stevie Wonder changed his name from Steveland Judkins after an executive at his Motown record kept referring to him by the "Wonder" nickname due to his talent, and it just stuck.

What's Tina Fey's real name?

Correct

Her real last name is Fey, and Tina is just a shortened version of her middle name. She did however use her first name as inspiration for her character Liz Lemon from 30 Rock.

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Her real last name is Fey, and Tina is just a shortened version of her middle name. She did however use her first name as inspiration for her character Liz Lemon from 30 Rock.

What is Lucy Hale's real name?

Correct

Who would have thought that this young up-and-coming actress from Pretty Little Liars was actually a Karen?

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Who would have thought that this young up-and-coming actress from Pretty Little Liars was actually a Karen?

What's Bono's real name?

Correct

"Bono" doesn't seem to have anything to do with his real name, Paul David Hewson. Turns out, it's the name of a hearing aid store from his hometown of Dublin.

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"Bono" doesn't seem to have anything to do with his real name, Paul David Hewson. Turns out, it's the name of a hearing aid store from his hometown of Dublin.

What's Kit Harington's real name?

Correct

Apparently, Kit is a pretty common nickname for "Christopher." Kit Harington exclusively went by the shortened version for so long that he didn't actually know his real name was Christopher until he was 11 years old.

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Apparently, Kit is a pretty common nickname for "Christopher." Kit Harington exclusively went by the shortened version for so long that he didn't actually know his real name was Christopher until he was 11 years old.

What's Vin Diesel's real name?

Correct

No, Vin Diesel isn't his real name. He changed it from Mark Sinclair, and "Vin" is an homage to his mother's married name. 

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No, Vin Diesel isn't his real name. He changed it from Mark Sinclair, and "Vin" is an homage to his mother's married name. 

What's Mindy Kaling's real name?

Correct

Mindy is actually her middle name, and her birth name is Vera Chokalingam, which she just shortened for acting credits.

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Mindy is actually her middle name, and her birth name is Vera Chokalingam, which she just shortened for acting credits.

What's Winona Ryder's real name?

Correct

Winona Ryder changed her name from Winona Laura Horowitz during a spur-of-the-moment decision when her agent asked how she wanted to be credited in the film Lucas and her father was listening to music by Mitch Ryder in the same room.

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Winona Ryder changed her name from Winona Laura Horowitz during a spur-of-the-moment decision when her agent asked how she wanted to be credited in the film Lucas and her father was listening to music by Mitch Ryder in the same room.

What's Shania Twain's real name?

Correct

This singer is proud of her Native American heritage, and changed her name from Eileen Edwards in honor of her Ojibwe stepfather, whose last name was Twain. Shania means "on my way" in Ojibwe.

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This singer is proud of her Native American heritage, and changed her name from Eileen Edwards in honor of her Ojibwe stepfather, whose last name was Twain. Shania means "on my way" in Ojibwe.

What's Ben Kingsley's real name?

Correct

Ben Kingsley changed his name from Krishna Pandit Bhanji in honor of his father, whose nickname was Ben, and his grandfather, whose nickname was King Clove.

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Ben Kingsley changed his name from Krishna Pandit Bhanji in honor of his father, whose nickname was Ben, and his grandfather, whose nickname was King Clove.

What's Portia de Rossi's real name?

Correct

Born Amanda Lee Rogers, Portia de Rossi changed her name at the age of 15. "Portia" comes from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, and "de Rossi" felt more sophisticated and exotic to her.

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Born Amanda Lee Rogers, Portia de Rossi changed her name at the age of 15. "Portia" comes from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, and "de Rossi" felt more sophisticated and exotic to her.

What's Michael Caine's real name?

Correct

Though he's been going by Michael Caine for over 50 years, he only recently made the switch legally from Maurice Micklewhite because it was becoming a legal hassle with two names.

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Though he's been going by Michael Caine for over 50 years, he only recently made the switch legally from Maurice Micklewhite because it was becoming a legal hassle with two names.

What's Whoopi Goldberg's real name?

Correct

Ever the comedian, Whoopi swapped Caryn Elaine Johnson for something that paid homage to both her fondness for flatulence and her Jewish ancestry. 

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Ever the comedian, Whoopi swapped Caryn Elaine Johnson for something that paid homage to both her fondness for flatulence and her Jewish ancestry. 

What's Hulk Hogan's real name?

Correct

It would be funny if Hulk Hogan was actually the pro wrestler's real name, but it's actually Terry Bollea. He took on the "Hulk" persona after he was told by actor Lou Ferrigno (who played the original Incredible Hulk), that Bollea was bigger than him.

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It would be funny if Hulk Hogan was actually the pro wrestler's real name, but it's actually Terry Bollea. He took on the "Hulk" persona after he was told by actor Lou Ferrigno (who played the original Incredible Hulk), that Bollea was bigger than him.

What's Carmen Electra's real name?

Correct

Tara Patrick changed her name after the one and only Prince told her that she "looked like an 'Electra.'"

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Tara Patrick changed her name after the one and only Prince told her that she "looked like an 'Electra.'"

What's Martin Sheen's real name?

Correct

Martin Sheen faced the world of typecasting when he entered Hollywood with the name "Ramon Gerard Estevez." He went with something more lowkey, but that means his son Charlie Sheen's real last name is also Estevez.

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Martin Sheen faced the world of typecasting when he entered Hollywood with the name "Ramon Gerard Estevez." He went with something more lowkey, but that means his son Charlie Sheen's real last name is also Estevez.

What's Emma Stone's real name?

Correct

Emma Stone swapped out "Emily" simply because there was already a famous actress in Hollywood named Emily Stone.

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Emma Stone swapped out "Emily" simply because there was already a famous actress in Hollywood named Emily Stone.

What's Gene Simmons' real name? 

Correct

Gene Simmons' family moved to the United States from Israel, and he'd decided to change his name from Chaim Witz to Gene Klein then to Gene Simmons when he started finding momentum in his career.

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Gene Simmons' family moved to the United States from Israel, and he'd decided to change his name from Chaim Witz to Gene Klein then to Gene Simmons when he started finding momentum in his career.

What's Julianne Moore's real name?

Correct

When Julianne Moore approached the Screen Actor's Guild, they told her there was already a famous "Julie Smith," and she had to change her name. So, she used her father's middle name, "Moore," and her mother's first name, "Anne," so she wouldn't hurt either of their feelings. 

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When Julianne Moore approached the Screen Actor's Guild, they told her there was already a famous "Julie Smith," and she had to change her name. So, she used her father's middle name, "Moore," and her mother's first name, "Anne," so she wouldn't hurt either of their feelings. 

What's Lorde's real name?

Correct

Lorde, though born Ella Yelich-O'Connor, crafted her stage name when she was just 16. She loved the sound of the word "Lord," and then added the "-e" at the end to feminize it.

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Lorde, though born Ella Yelich-O'Connor, crafted her stage name when she was just 16. She loved the sound of the word "Lord," and then added the "-e" at the end to feminize it.

What's Jamie Foxx's real name?

Correct

Eric Marlon Bishop changed his name to Jamie Foxx when he was in the stand-up comedy circuit. He was hoping that his name would be mistaken for a woman's, because female comedians were often called to the stage first.

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Eric Marlon Bishop changed his name to Jamie Foxx when he was in the stand-up comedy circuit. He was hoping that his name would be mistaken for a woman's, because female comedians were often called to the stage first.

What's Jonah Hill's real name?

Correct

Jonah Hill has never given a specific reason as to why he doesn't go by "Jonah Feldstein" professionally. His sister, actress Beanie Feldstein, still does.

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Jonah Hill has never given a specific reason as to why he doesn't go by "Jonah Feldstein" professionally. His sister, actress Beanie Feldstein, still does.

What's Meg Ryan's real name?

Correct

When she registered for the Screen Actor's Guild, Meg Ryan lost her last name, Hyra, in favor of her grandmother's maiden name. 

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When she registered for the Screen Actor's Guild, Meg Ryan lost her last name, Hyra, in favor of her grandmother's maiden name. 

What's Woody Allen's real name?

Correct

Though the name Woody Allen is a household moniker, his given name, Allen Stewart Konigsberg, is even more unique. The name "Woody" comes from a childhood friend's dog that he was infatuated with.

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Though the name Woody Allen is a household moniker, his given name, Allen Stewart Konigsberg, is even more unique. The name "Woody" comes from a childhood friend's dog that he was infatuated with.

What's Elvis Costello's real name?

Correct

Who says there can only be one iconic rocker named Elvis? Costello originally used his given name, Declan Patrick McManus, shortened to D.P. McManus when starting his music career. Of course, he wanted to find some way to pay homage to the King of Rock and Roll when finding a new moniker.

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Who says there can only be one iconic rocker named Elvis? Costello originally used his given name, Declan Patrick McManus, shortened to D.P. McManus when starting his music career. Of course, he wanted to find some way to pay homage to the King of Rock and Roll when finding a new moniker.

What was Larry King's real name?

Correct

While working for a small radio station in Miami, Lawrence Zeiger became Larry King seconds before going on the air because his manager said his name was "too ethnic."

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While working for a small radio station in Miami, Lawrence Zeiger became Larry King seconds before going on the air because his manager said his name was "too ethnic."

What's Frank Ocean's real name?

Correct

Christoper Edwin Breaux decided to go by Frank Ocean just because he thought it sounded cool. "If you don't like your name, change your name," he said.

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Christoper Edwin Breaux decided to go by Frank Ocean just because he thought it sounded cool. "If you don't like your name, change your name," he said.

What's Katy Perry's real name?

Correct

Katheryn Hudson decided to go by Katy Perry professionally because she didn't want to be confused with actress Kate Hudson. 

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Katheryn Hudson decided to go by Katy Perry professionally because she didn't want to be confused with actress Kate Hudson. 

What's Jay-Z's real name?

Correct

Shawn Corey Carter's stage name comes from his neighbors calling him "Jazzy" while growing up, so he turned the nickname into one of the most well-known monikers in music. 

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Shawn Corey Carter's stage name comes from his neighbors calling him "Jazzy" while growing up, so he turned the nickname into one of the most well-known monikers in music. 

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The More You Know

  • The glass winged butterfly lacks colored scales, which makes its wings transparent and helps it avoid predators.
  • Maine is the only state that has a one-syllable name.
  • The fastest gust of wind ever recorded on Earth was 253 miles per hour.
  • The designer of the current United States flag was 17 at the time, and created it for a high school project. He received a B-.

Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.