34 Surprising Origins of Famous Stage Names

Most people don’t pick their own names because they were given a name by their parents. The reason why parents choose names for their children is that they want their children to have a good start in life. A name is the first thing that people will know about you, and it can shape how people perceive you. If you have a unique or difficult-to-pronounce name, it may be difficult for people to remember or take you seriously. On the other hand, if you have a common or boring name, people may not give you the attention you deserve. 

This is especially true for those looking for a career in entertainment. If your name isn’t memorable in the slightest or too memorable in the wrong way, it can be a serious impediment to your career — especially in the Old Hollywood days. These are the stories behind the names that were used to cover up all that blandness or eccentricity.