Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.
Her stage name was inspired by the Queen song "Radio Ga Ga," reflecting her passion for music and performance.
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Bruno Mars, known for his catchy hits, was born Peter Gene Hernandez.
He adopted the name "Bruno" as a tribute to professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino and "Mars" because he felt it sounded more like a star.
Katy Perry's real name is Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson.
She adopted her mother's maiden name "Perry" to avoid being confused with the actress Kate Hudson.
Taylor Swift was born Taylor Alison Swift.
Interestingly, her parents chose the name Taylor because it’s unisex, allowing her to have a name that didn’t indicate gender bias in the music industry.
Miley Cyrus was born Destiny Hope Cyrus.
She earned the nickname "Smiley" for her cheerful disposition, which eventually morphed into "Miley."
John Legend was born John Roger Stephens.
He adopted the stage name "Legend" as a nod to his musical talents and has said it was given to him by a friend who thought he sounded like a legend.
Eminem was born Marshall Bruce Mathers III.
His stage name is a phonetic spelling of his initials ("M&M"), which he later stylized as "Eminem."
Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight.
He chose his stage name by combining the names of his musical influences, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry.
Pink was born Alecia Beth Moore.
She adopted the name "Pink" from a character in the movie "Reservoir Dogs," reflecting her rebellious spirit.
Whoopi Goldberg was born Caryn Elaine Johnson.
She chose "Whoopi" from a whoopee cushion, and "Goldberg" was adopted to create a more marketable and distinctive name.
Michael Keaton was originally named Michael John Douglas.
He changed his name to avoid confusion with actor Michael Douglas and chose "Keaton" after the actress Diane Keaton.
Mahershala Ali was born Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore.
He shortened his name after converting to Islam, taking "Ali" as a surname to honor the famous boxer Muhammad Ali.
Lana Del Rey was born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant.
She adopted her stage name as a nod to the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle she emulates in her music.
Vin Diesel was born Mark Sinclair.
He adopted "Vin" from his stepfather's surname, and "Diesel" came from his days working as a bouncer, as he was known for having high energy.
Demi Moore was born Demetria Gene Guynes.
She shortened her name for simplicity and to fit into the Hollywood scene more easily.
Joaquin Phoenix was born Joaquin Rafael Bottom.
He changed his surname to "Phoenix" to symbolize his family's rebirth after leaving a cult.
Natalie Portman was born Natalie Hershlag.
She adopted her maternal grandmother's maiden name "Portman" to protect her privacy and to create a more marketable identity in Hollywood.
Rihanna was born Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
She uses her middle name "Rihanna" as her stage name, which has become synonymous with her brand and music.
Snoop Dogg was born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
He got the name "Snoop" from his mother, who thought he looked like Snoopy from the Peanuts cartoons.
Carmen Electra was born Tara Leigh Patrick.
She adopted "Carmen Electra" as a tribute to the musician Prince, who helped launch her career and encouraged her to change her name.