Calvin Broadus
This pioneer of West Coast rap would later go on to be known as Snoop Dogg.
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor
Turns out the "Royals" singer is really into learning about the aristocracy, hence the reason why she chose the name Lorde, but with a feminine 'e.'
Enrique Morales
Before he started shaking his bonbon for the masses, music superstar Ricky Martin went by this everyday name.
Amethyst Kelly
It's hard to believe that Iggy Azalea was born Amethyst Kelly!
Adam Richard Wiles
Fans were confused when Taylor Swift thanked then-boyfriend Adam in an acceptance speech, which lead people to the discovery that Calvin Harris is simply a stage name. The DJ told Shortlist magazine he chose the name because his first single was more soulful and wanted something a bit more "racially ambiguous."
Jennifer Anastassakis
Before she became a household name, this was what erstwhile Friend Jennifer Aniston answered to.
Alicia Augello Cook
Alicia Keys didn't always have such a musical name.
Thomas Mapother IV
Before he became arguably the biggest movie star in the world, Tom Cruise went by this name.
Natalie Hershlag
Back when she was born in 1980, this was how the future bigtime actress Natalie Portman greeted the world.
Amanda Lee Rogers
Before she became a big-time TV star and married Ellen DeGeneres, this was the name Portia de Rossi answered to.
Reginald Dwight
Guess music superstar Elton John didn't think his original name would be a hit with audiences.
Nicole Camilla Escovedo
Check The Simple Life alum Nicole Richie's birth certificate and this is the name you'll see.
Paul Hewson
All it took was a nickname from some high school friends, and U2 frontman Bono's famous moniker was born.
Tara Patrick
We agree. Carmen Electra is much more effective when it comes to selling a sexy Baywatch persona.
Eric Bishop
"I went on as Eric Bishop, killed, standing ovation," Jamie Foxx has said of his early comedy days, revealing that for weeks after his fellow comedians blocked him from getting back onstage. So he took his act to a new location and wrote down three unisex-sounding names in the hopes of getting picked. "I go up and get a standing ovation, so the name sticks."
Demetria Gene Guynes
Before her brief marriage to musician Freddy Moore, future Hollywood A-lister Demi Moore was known by this name in her New Mexico hometown.
Shawn Carter
Jay-Z is definitely a more fitting name for a hip-hop impressario.
Brian Warner
Borrowing from two polar opposite cultural icons—actress Marilyn Monroe and murderous cult leader Charles Manson—the Ohio-born musician came up with his stage name, Marilyn Manson.
Eldrick Woods
While Tiger Woods was certainly a killer on the golf course, his lifelong nickname is actually a tribute to dad Earl Wood's former military pal.