After Joe Lycett changed his name to well-known fashion brand Hugo Boss this week, LSJ News decided to take a look at other celebrities who have changed their names for fame.
Taking a stand against the brand, Joe Lycett/Hugo Boss decided to change his name as a form of protest, after the company sent out cease-and-desist letters to small businesses that use the word “boss” in their name.
Stefani Germanotta: Lady Gaga
Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, Lady Gaga changed her name to be more recognisable.
Reginald Dwight : Elton John
The “Rocketman” singer changed his name in the 70s as he didn’t feel that “Reginald Dwight” was the name of an up-and-coming star.
Ilyena Vaselievna Mironoff: Helen Mirren
Mirren’s father changed her name after becoming stranded in London during the Russian Revolution, to avoid being treated differently during the Cold War.
Peter Gene Bayot Hernandez: Bruno Mars
According to an interview with GQ, he pop star explained that he had to change his name to sound like he was from another planet so record labels would stop trying to make him the next Enrique Iglesias.
Maurice Joseph Micklewhite: Michael Caine
Maurice Micklewhite officially changed his name to Michael Caine in 2016 after getting tired of having to explain the name difference on his passport.
Joaquin Rafael Bottom: Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin changed his last name from Bottom, to Phoenix, named after the mythical bird which rises from the ashes, and symbolises a new beginning.
Eric Marlon Bishop: Jamie Foxx
The actor/rapper/comedian changed his name in order to remove any biases towards his comedy. As a lot of women were called first to perform, Jamie Foxx wanted a name that was ambiguous enough for him to be potentially called on first.
Norma Jean Mortensen: Marilyn Monroe
The original blonde bombshell changed her last name to Monroe after her grandmother’s name after divorcing her first husband, James Dougherty in 1946.
Onika Tanya Maraj: Nicki Minaj
Singer Minaj said in an interview with The Guardian, “One of the first deals I signed, the guy wanted my name to be Minaj and I fought him tooth and nail. But he convinced me. I’ve always hated it.”
Ella Maria Lani Yelich- O’Connor: Lorde
Lorde’s name comes from her obsession with royals and aristocracy, but added the “e” on the end to make it sound more feminine.
