Check out this amazing list of celebrities who don’t actually use their real names!

Bruno Mars, Rihanna, John Legend – these names make you feel as though they were destined to achieve big in their lives the moment their parents decided to sign their birth certificate. However, not all were lucky and destined to rule over the world of entertainment. Instead, they charted their own paths, often using a stage name in order to open up new possibilities. Today, they are acclaimed household names and need no introduction. In this article, we have compiled a list of 40 well-known celebrities who decided to use their stage names and forgo their real birth names to work in the industry. Without further ado, let’s jump right into it!

Portia de Rossi

Birth name: Amanda Lee Rogers

In a recent interview, de Rossi went on to reveal how her birth name was actually Amanda and not Portia. She wanted a name that resembled with her identity as a gay person, and she finally settled for Portia. She also shared an interesting story why she actually chose Portia and not some other name. She’s apparently a big fan of Shakespeare, and as some of you already know, Portia was a character in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. She chose the surname de Rossi as she was quite fascinated with Italian surnames, the culture and overall awe that Europe generates.

Alicia Keys

Birth name: Alicia Augello-Cook

This famous singer and songwriter told in an interview recently that she actually wanted a name that was more apt for the stage, and the name idea she had in mind was “Alicia Wild”! – but her mom apparently refused. She told her that it actually made her sound like a stripper, and thus, was a big no. It was then that this leading singer decided to go for a more music-friendly name, Alicia Keys. She went on to say how her name could open so many doors, truly justifying her name.

Cardi B

Birth name: Belcalis Almanzar

Known as Cardi B all across the world, this musician was actually named Belcalis Almanzar at birth. Cardi B is simply a shortened version of Bacardi, just like the rum. She was called Bacardi by her friends and family, so she finally stuck to the name and later changed it to Cardi B.

Natalie Portman

Birth name: Neta-Lee Hershlag

Natalie Portman was born in Israel, and as a result, was a given a Hebrew name according to the traditions. However, when she emigrated to the United States back in 1984, the family decided to change the surname to Portman, which was earlier Hershlag. The first name of this Hollywood star comes from her grandmother’s maiden name, Neta-Lee, which evolved to Natalie! Quite cool, we must say.

Kit Harington

Birth name: Christopher Catesby Harington

Famous Game of Thrones star, Kit Harington actually has a different birth name. In fact, he recently shared in an interview that he didn’t know that his first name was Christopher until he was eleven years old. He went on to share how Cristopher is a traditional name and Kit is actually an offshoot of that. Kit’s brother also has a different name. His real name is John, but he is actually known as Jack!