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…