15 Celebrities Who You Didn't Know Use Their Stage Names

Elise Feyrer

List of famous people, including their stage names, in roughly ascending order of popularity. Even if you're just another Joe Smith or Anne Taylor trying to make it in the Entertainment industry, a catchy stage name might help you stand out from the crowd. The list contains celebrities better known by their middle names or a version of their family names, as well as those who use a completely made-up moniker for their performances.
Many of the performers on this list changed names to avoid being mistaken for another. Michael Keaton, the actor best known as Batman, was born Michael John Douglas, not to be mistaken for Michael Kirk Douglas. To avoid public scrutiny, several famous people have changed their names. Although Natalie Hershlag gained fame as a child actor, you probably know her better than Natalie Portman. Some celebrities who go by aliases did so voluntarily because they liked how the new name sounded better.
Famous persons who go by their nicknames or a different name are included on this list of stage names. Women who use their marital surnames professionally, those who were legally adopted as youngsters, or those whose stage names are meant to be dramatic are not included. This includes numerous wrestlers and eponymous artists.

1. Winona Ryder: Winona Laura Horowitz

Stage Names, Winona RyderSource: Getty Images


2. Alicia Keys: Alicia Augello Cook

Stage Names, Alicia KeysSource: Getty Images


3. Olivia Wilde: Olivia Jane Cockburn

Stage NamesSource: Getty Images


4. Bruno Mars: Peter Gene Hernandez

Bruno MarsSource: Getty Images


5. Lana Del Rey: Elizabeth Grant

Stage Names, Lana Del ReySource: Getty Images


6. Katy Perry: Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson

Stage Names, Katy PerrySource: Getty Images


7. Courtney Love: Courtney Michelle Harrison

Stage Names, Courtney LoveSource: Getty Images


8. Elton John: Reginald Kenneth Dwight

Stage Names, Elton JohnSource: Getty Images


9. Tom Cruise: Thomas Cruise Mapother IV

Stage NamesSource: Getty Images


10. Billie Eilish: Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell

Stage Names, Billie EilishSource: Getty Images


11. Blake Lively: Blake Ellender Brown

Stage Names, Blake LivelySource: Getty Images


12. Jamie Foxx: Eric Marlon Bishop

Stage Names, Jamie FoxxSource: Getty Images


13. Brie Larson: Brianne Sidonie Desaulniers

Stage Names, Brie LarsonSource: Getty Images


14. Nicki Minaj: Onika Tanya Maraj

<a href=Nicki Minaj" />Source: Getty Images


15. Natalie Portman: Neta-Lee Hershlag

Natalie PortmanSource: Getty Images