Check out this amazing list of celebrities who don’t actually use their real names! (6 of 8)

Marilyn Monroe

Birth name: Norma Jeane Mortenson

This isn’t exactly a secret anymore, but for those of you who don’t know yet, Marilyn Monroe actually grew up as Norma Jeane. Well, actually, she was born with the last name Mortenson, then baptized to last name Baker, and then finally married into Gougherty! However, do you actually know how she came to be known as Marilyn?

According to a leading newspaper, the actress decided to let go of her first husband’s name because she was told by a studio executive that people would pronounce it all wrong, and will have different interpretations. In order to get over this, she was suggested the last name “Monroe”, which is actually a name of her maternal side of the family. The first name, however, was given to her by the studio executive as she often reminded him of the famous 1920s Broadway star Marilyn Miller.

Meghan Markle

Birth name: Rachel Meghan Markle

Most of you most probably already know the fact that Meghan Markle’s first name is not really Meghan, but Rachel. However, her birth name does not really matter, as she is a Duchess now.

Gigi Hadid

Birth name: Jelena Noura Hadid

Only the true fans of this famous supermodel know that she actually uses a pseudonym. She was given the birth name of Jelena and was nicknamed Gigi quite early in her life. She shared in an interview how her mother was called Gigi by her (Gigi’s) maternal grandma, and when she was young, her mom started calling her Gigi as well.

However, Gigi actually decided to stick to that name when she was in grade school and she shared another interesting story behind her move. She recollects how another girl named Helena was in her class, which confused the teacher. This prompter Gigi and her parents to finally settle for Gigi as her first name.

Reese Witherspoon

Birth name: Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon actually wasn’t named that at her birth. She decided to adopt her mother’s maiden name as her first name when she was just starting out in the industry and has since stuck to it.

Miley Cyrus

Birth name: Destiny Hope Cyrus

Miley Cyrus also has a stage name – one she actually took from her childhood. Apparently, she was always smiling during her childhood, so her family nicknamed her Smiley, which later evolved to “Miley”. Finally, she changed her name legally in the year 2008 and continues to be known as Miley Cyrus. Her birth name, however, was Destiny Hope Cyrus. In the hindsight, that name was actually cool as well!