People are only just realising that Jude Law isn’t actually the actor’s real name.

It was Shakespeare who wrote: ‘What’s in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet.’

But for celebrities, the difference between a good and a bad moniker can make them either one to remember or instantly forgettable.

After being propelled to worldwide fame thanks to 1999’s The Talented Mr. Ripley, the name Jude Law was on everyone’s lips – but would his real name of David Law been just as popular?

Yes, the Hollywood star was humbly called David Jude Heyworth Law at birth, with Jude being his middle name, but no one ever uses his original moniker – not even his parents!

With Jude’s real handle no doubt coming as a surprise to some, we reveal a plethora of other celebrities who have changed their names… and some of the reasons may surprise you… 

People are only just realising that Jude Law isn’t actually the actor’s real name [pictured in December]

The Hollywood star was humbly called David Jude Heyworth Law at birth, with Jude being his middle name, but no one ever uses his original moniker – not even his parents! [pictured in 2016]

Jude Law =  David Jude Heyworth Law

The Hollywood star, 52, was born as David but is known to everyone as Jude, which is actually his middle name.

The actor previously insisted that no one ever calls him by his birthname, not even his parents, with Jude seemingly being the go-to moniker.

The father-of-seven spoke of his name change recently when addressing the nickname of ‘Celebrity Dave’ given to him by the paparazzi.

He told the Guardian newspaper back in September: ‘I didn’t know the paps call me Celebrity Dave! If they do, it’s probably because the name in my pᴀssport is David Jude as opposed to Jude David.

‘No one’s ever called me David. My mum and dad called me Jude. It was just one of those odd things they did.’

The Fantastic Beasts star also told how he’s not sick of hearing the Beatles classic Hey Jude, adding: ‘Not at all. I love that song. Thank God it’s such a wonderful song. I have a very personal attachment because it’s a song my mum loved, so in truth it reminds me of her.’

He insisted that it was a ‘brilliant song’ that he’s ‘glad’ to be ᴀssociated with, joking that people will now sing it when he walked into a room. 

Jude switched to his current stage name in 1980s after enrolling in a youth drama group in London.

The actor previously insisted that no one ever calls him by his birthname, not even his parents, with Jude seemingly being the go-to moniker

Jude [centre] switched to his current stage name in 1980s after enrolling in a youth drama group in London [pictured with Gwyneth Paltrow and Matt Damon in The Talented Mr Ripley]

But despite happily going by his name, he previously admitted some regret at the name choice as the feminine moniker often led to confusion.

He told fashion.ie back in 2009: ‘(I was) ᴀssigned to the girls’ dormitories and sleeping quarters when I was a teenager and I joined the National Youth Music Theatre. 

‘Someone took a look at my name and clearly thought, “It has to be a girl.” How wrong can you get?’

Miley Rae Cyrus = Destiny Hope Cyrus

The Wrecking Ball was just 15 when she legalled changed her name in 2008, shortening the nickname to Miley

As a young child, the singer was known as ‘Smiley’ to her family due to her cheerful nature. 

The Wrecking Ball was just 15 when she legalled changed her name in 2008, shortening the nickname to Miley.

Her middle name honours her grandfather, the Democratic politician Ronald Ray Cyrus. 

Dido = Florian Cloud de Bounevialle Armstrong

Florian adopted her childhood name to take into her professional career. She and her now record producer brother Rowland were known throughout childhood as ‘Dido’ and ‘Rollo’

Given her slight mouthful of her birth name, Dido adopted her childhood name to take into her professional career. 

She and her now record producer brother Rowland were known throughout childhood as ‘Dido’ and ‘Rollo’ – names which have stuck for them both. 

In 2001 she told the Observer: ‘To be called one thing and christened another is actually very confusing and annoying. It’s one of the most irritating things that my parents did to me.

‘Florian is a German man’s name. That’s just mean. To give your child a whole lot of odd names. They were all so embarrᴀssing. 

‘I thought it was cruel to call me Dido and then expect me to just deal with it.’

Lana Del Rey = Elizabeth Woolridge Grant

Lana Del Rey was born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant in New York City. 

She started performing in clubs under the names of ‘Sparkle Jump Rope Queen’ and ‘Lizzy Grant and the Phenomena’. 

Later, upon choosing her stage name, she said: ‘I wanted a name I could shape the music towards. 

‘I was going to Miami quite a lot at the time, speaking a lot of Spanish with my friends from Cuba – Lana Del Rey reminded us of the glamour of the seaside. It sounded gorgeous coming off the tip of the tongue.’

Lana Del Rey: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant started performing in clubs under the names of ‘Sparkle Jump Rope Queen’ and ‘Lizzy Grant and the Phenomena’

Her lawyers and managers made up the name Lana Del Rey, she says, and persuaded her to adopt the stage name. 

Gigi Hadid = Jelena Hadid

The model adopted her now widely-known name in school to avoid confusion with another girl in her grade

The model adopted her now widely-known name in school to avoid confusion with another girl in her grade.

Speaking to Vogue of her name change she said: ‘In first or second grade, there was a girl named Helena and it got confusing with the teacher who had to call out our names.

‘And so the teacher asked my mom, “If I needed to call Jelena a nickname, what would it be?” And my mom was like, “I call her Gigi sometimes,” and the name stuck.’ 

Kit Harington – Christopher Catesby Harington

While the Game Of Thrones star is widely known as Kit, his parents actually named him Christopher, following their family tradition

While the Game Of Thrones star is widely known as Kit, his parents actually named him Christopher, following their family tradition.

And what’s wild is the star didn’t actually realise his real name was Christopher until he was 11.

Detailing the change of name in an interview with Glamour, Kit explained: ‘I think they [his parents] could see that I wanted to be Kit, but Christopher was a bit of a tradition.

‘My brother’s name is Jack, but his real name is John. Kit is traditionally an offshoot of Christopher, it’s just not used that often. My middle name is Catesby.’ 

Jamie Foxx = Eric Bishop 

On his discovery that females were often called to perform first, Eric Bishop changed his name to Jamie Foxx. His new surname was inspired by comedian Redd Foxx

Eric Bishop began his career as a young comedian. On his discovery that females were often called to perform first, he changed his name to Jamie Foxx.

His new surname was inspired by comedian Redd Foxx.  

Iggy Azalea = Amethyst Kelly

Amethyst Kelly’s stage name is a combination of that of childhood dog, Iggy, and the street where she grew up, Azalea Street – where her family still live today

Born in Sydney, Australia, Amethyst Kelly moved to America to pursue her dream of being a singer at the age of 15.

Her stage name is a combination of that of childhood dog, Iggy, and the street where she grew up, Azalea Street – where her family still live today.  

Jay Z = Shawn Carter

Jay Z: Shawn Carter’s stage name developed from his neighbourhood nickname of ‘Jazzy’. It also acts as a tribute to his musical mentor, Jaz-O

Shawn Carter was brought up in Brooklyn, New York, and raised by his mother alongside his three siblings. He claims to have been sH๏τ at three times in his life, and his lyrics refer to selling crack cocaine. 

His stage name developed from his neighbourhood nickname of ‘Jazzy’. It also acts as a tribute to his musical mentor, Jaz-O. He announced that he was leaving out the hyphen in 2013, and instead prefers to be known as ‘Jay Z’.  

Shania Twain = Eilleen Regina Edwards

Shania Twain: The Best-selling ‘Queen of Country Pop’ was born in Canada as Eilleen Regina Edwards. She started singing in bars at the age of eight to help to pay the family’s bills 

Best-selling ‘Queen of Country Pop’ Shania Twain was born in Canada as Eilleen Regina Edwards. She started singing in bars at the age of eight to help to pay the family’s bills. 

The surname Twain came from her stepfather. At the beginning of her career she added Shania, a native Ojibwa word which means ‘on my way’. 

Carmen Electra = Tara Leigh Patrick 

Carmen Electra: Tara Leigh Patrick moved to California in 1991, where she met Prince. The American model, actress and singer signed a record deal soon after, with her new stage name 

Tara Leigh Patrick moved to California in 1991, where she met Prince. The American model, actress and singer signed a record deal soon after, as Carmen Electra. 

Julianne Moore = Julie Smith

Julianne Moore: Moore was born Julie Anne Smith in North Carolina. After studying Theatre at Boston University, Moore moved to New York, worked as a waitress and registered a stage name 

Moore was born Julie Anne Smith in North Carolina. After studying Theatre at Boston University, Moore moved to New York, worked as a waitress and registered a stage name. 

In 2001, she told the New York Times that changing her name as ‘horrible’: ‘There was already a Julie Smith, a Julie Anne Smith, there was everything.

‘My father’s middle name is Moore; my mother’s name is Anne. So I just slammed the Anne onto the Julie. That way, I could use both of their names and not hurt anyone’s feelings. 

‘But it’s horrible to change your name. I’d been Julie Smith my whole life, and I didn’t want to change it.’

Lady Gaga = Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

Lady Gaga: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta was born to a catholic family in Manhattan. Her stage name was coined in 2006 when she was working with music producer Rob Fusari, who would start singing ‘Radio Ga Ga’ every time she walked into the studio 

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta was born to a catholic family in Manhattan. 

Her stage name was coined in 2006 when she was working with music producer Rob Fusari, who would start singing ‘Radio Ga Ga’ every time she walked into the studio. A predictive text from Fusari once changed ‘radio’ to ‘lady’, to which Stefani replied ‘That’s it! Don’t ever call me Stefani again’. 

Elton John = Reginald Kenneth Dwight 

Elton John: Reginald Dwight’s stage name was a combination of tributes to fellow band members Elton Dean and Long John Baldry 

The best-selling artist was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in MiddleSєx, and started playing the piano at the age of 3. 

He later formed a band called Bluesology – his stage name was a combination of tributes to fellow band members Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. 

Katy Perry = Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson

Katy Perry: Katheryn Hudson soon changed her name to avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson. The pop star chose to use her mother’s maiden name, Perry

Starting her career as a gospel singer, Katheryn Hudson soon changed her name to avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson. The pop star chose to use her mother’s maiden name, Perry.

Helen Mirren = Ilyena Lydia Mironoff

Helen Mirren: Ilyena Lydia Mironoff was born and raised in Hammersmith, London. Her father, a Russian aristocrat, anglicised the family name to Mirren in the 1950s

Ilyena Lydia Mironoff was born and raised in Hammersmith, London. Her father, a Russian aristocrat, anglicised the family name to Mirren in the 1950s.  

Jessie J = Jessica Ellen Cornish

Jessie J: Jessica Ellen Cornish was brought up in London. At 16 she began studying at the BRIT School, and at 17 she joined girl group Soul Deep

Jessica Ellen Cornish was brought up in London. At 16 she began studying at the BRIT School, and at 17 she joined girl group Soul Deep.

When asked about her stage name, the English singer and songwriter said: ‘To be honest, there’s no real reason for the ‘J’ in my stage name (I always feel like i disappoint people when I say that)’. 

Calvin Harris = Adam Richard Wiles

Calvin Harris: Adam Richard Wiles began making music in his bedroom in Dumfries, Scotland.The name Calvin Harris came when he began producing his first single, a soul track 

Adam Richard Wiles began making music in his bedroom in Dumfries, Scotland. 

The name Calvin Harris came when he began producing his first single, a soul track: ‘I thought Calvin Harris sounded a bit more racially ambiguous.

‘I thought people might not know if I was black or not. After that, I was stuck with it.’ 

 Avicii = Tim Bergling 

Avicii: Tim Bergling’s stage name came when a friend told him it was a level of Buddhist hell. He added an ‘i’ as the name ‘Avici’ was already taken on Myspace 

Late Swedish DJ Avicii’s real name was actually Tim Bergling. 

The name Avicii came when a friend told him it was a level of Buddhist hell. The extra ‘i’ was added because the name ‘Avici’ was already taken on Myspace. 

Macklemore = Ben Haggerty

Macklemore: The American rapper was born as Ben Haggerty, and was 14 when he started writing lyrics 

The American rapper was born as Ben Haggerty, and was 14 when he started writing lyrics.

In 2000, he recorded under the name ‘Professor Macklemore’ – a superhero name he created for a high school art project. In 2005, Macklemore dropped ‘Professor’ from his name, when he released his official, full-length album.  

Cee Lo Green = Thomas DeCarlo Callaway

Cee Lo Green: Thomas Callaway’s stage name may well have been inspired by ‘Cee-lo’, is a game played by three six-sided dice, in which there is no standard set of rules

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Thomas DeCarlo Callaway started his music career in church. 

His father died when he was 2 years old, and the singer says his professional career was prompted by the death of his mother in a car crash when he was 18. 

‘Cee-lo’ is a game played by three six-sided dice, in which there is no standard set of rules – a feature that might have attracted the singer to the name. 

Tom Cruise = Thomas Cruise Mapother IV

Tom Cruise: The American actor was born in near poverty New York as Thomas Cruise Mapother. He was beaten by his father, who he describes as a bully

The American actor was born in near poverty New York as Thomas Cruise Mapother. He was beaten by his father, who he describes as a bully.

Graduating from high school in 1980, the award-winning actor returned to New York, where he shortened his name to a more catchy ‘Tom Cruise’.  

Charli XCX = Charlotte Emma Aitchison

Charli XCX: Charlotte Emma Aitchison was born in Cambridge, and began writing songs at the age of 14. At 15, she was recruited to perform at raves and Warehouse parties in East London

Charlotte Emma Aitchison was born in Cambridge, and began writing songs at the age of 14. At 15, she was recruited to perform at raves and Warehouse parties in East London.

Asked for the name to put on the flyers, Charli quoted her MSN Messenger screen name at the time ‘Charli XCX’ – a name that seems to have stuck.

Lorde = Ella Yelich-O’Connor 

Lorde: Ella Yelich-O’Connor’s stage name stems from her fascination with royals and the aristocracy – she says she added an ‘e’ to the end of ‘lord’ to add some femininity

New Zealand singer Ella Yelich-O’Connor names her mother, a poet, as the influence for her songwriting skills.

Her stage name ‘Lorde’ stems from her fascination with royals and the aristocracy – she says she added an ‘e’ to the end of ‘lord’ to add some femininity. 

Snoop Dogg = Calvin Cordozar Broadus

Snoop Dogg: California-born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. was nicknamed ‘Snoopy’ by his parents because of his appearance 

California-born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.  was nicknamed ‘Snoopy’ by his parents because of his appearance. 

He began recording under the name ‘Snoop Doggy Dogg’ – inspired by his former group Tha Dogg Pound. 

In 2012 he introduced a new name ‘Snoop Lion’, telling reporters that he had been rechristened by a Rastafarian priest in Jamaica. He also released music later that year under the name ‘DJ Snoopadelic’. 

In one interview about his name he said: ‘Snoop Lion, Snoop Dogg, DJ Snoopadelic—they only know one thing: make music that’s timeless and bangs.’

Pink = Alecia Beth Moore

Pink: Alecia Beth Moore was born in Pennsylvania and began performing in clubs at the age of 14 under childhood nickname ‘Pink’

Alecia Beth Moore was born in Pennsylvania and began performing in clubs at the age of 14 under childhood nickname ‘Pink’.   

The nickname was coined by her friends, as a reference to her tendency to blush when embarrᴀssed.

Demi Moore = Demetria Gene Guynes

Demi Moore: Demetria Gene Guynes became Demi Moore when she married singer Freddy Moore in 1980 – although the name stuck around much longer than he did

Demetria Gene Guynes became Demi Moore when she married singer Freddy Moore in 1980 – although the name stuck around much longer than he did. 

The American actress has since had two marriages, with actors Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher. Moore and Kutcher divorced in 2013. 

Lily James = Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson

Lily James: She took her father’s christian name as her stage surname, as there was already an actress with the name Lily Thomson

Cinderella and Downton-Abbey star Lily James was born as Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson. 

She took her father’s christian name as her stage surname, as there was already an actress with the name Lily Thomson.

Flo Rida = Tramar Lacel Dillard

Flo Rida: Florida-born rapper Tramar Dillard took the inspiration for his stage name from the Sunshine State in which he grew up and pursued a career in music

Florida-born rapper Tramar Dillard took the inspiration for his stage name from the Sunshine State in which he grew up and pursued a career in music. Deciding his original name ‘Ruckus Pimp’was ‘a bit out there’, he said the new name struck him while at a friend’s house.

‘Take Florida, break it in half and there you go: Flo Rida,’ he recalls. 

Pitbull = Armando Christian Pérez

Pitbull: Armando Perez says Pitbulls ‘ bite to lock. The dog is too stupid to lose. And they’re outlawed in Dade County. They’re basically everything that I am. It’s been a constant fight’ 

Born in Florida, Armando Perez could recite the works of Cuba’s national hero and poet, José Martí, by the age of 3. 

On choosing his stage name, he says Pitbulls ‘bite to lock. The dog is too stupid to lose. And they’re outlawed in Dade County. They’re basically everything that I am. It’s been a constant fight’. 

Nicki Minaj = Onika Tanya Maraj

Nicki Minaj: She began with the stage name ‘Nicki Maraj’, but changed it to ‘Nicki Minaj’ when she met her manager, saying: ‘My real name is Maraj. Fendi flipped it when he met me because I had such a nasty flow! I eat bitches!’

The Trinidadian rapper and songwriter was raised in Jamaica as Onika Tanya Maraj. 

She began with the stage name ‘Nicki Maraj’, but changed it to ‘Nicki Minaj’ when she met her manager, saying: ‘My real name is Maraj. Fendi flipped it when he met me because I had such a nasty flow! I eat bitches!’   

Bruno Mars = Peter Gene Hernandez

Bruno Mars: Peter Gene Hernandez was nicknamed ‘Bruno’ by his father at the age of 2, because of his resemblance to professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino

Raised in Honolulu, Peter Gene Hernandez was nicknamed ‘Bruno’ by his father at the age of 2, because of his resemblance to professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino.

He adopted the surname ‘Mars’ at the beginning of his musical career, saying: ‘I felt like I didn’t have [any] pizzazz, and a lot of girls say I’m out of this world, so I was like I guess I’m from Mars’.  

50 Cent = Curtis James Jackson III

50 Cent: Curtis James Jackson adopted the nickname ’50 Cent’ as a metaphor for change, inspired by a 1980s Brooklyn robber known as ’50 Cent’, Kelvin Martin

Jackson was born and raised in the South Jamaica neighborhood of Queen’s, New York City. 

After a rough start, Curtis James Jackson adopted the nickname ’50 Cent’ as a metaphor for change, inspired by a 1980s Brooklyn robber known as ’50 Cent’, Kelvin Martin. 

He says he chose it ‘because it says everything I want it to say. I’m the same kind of person 50 Cent was. I provide for myself by any means.’ 

Courtney Love = Love Michelle Harrison

Courtney Love: Love Michelle Harrison chose her stage name while working as an exotic dancer. The star is now reclaiming part of her original name, wanting to be known as ‘Courtney Michelle’

Born as Love Michelle Harrison, the rocker chose her stage name while working as an exotic dancer. The star is now reclaiming part of her original name, wanting to be known as ‘Courtney Michelle’.  

Alicia Keys = Alicia Augello Cook

Alicia Keys: Alicia Augello Cook almost chose her stage name as Wilde, until her manager had a dream about the name Keys

Keys was born in Manhattan as Alicia Augello Cook. She almost chose her stage name as Wilde, until her manager had a dream about the name Keys. 

The American actress and singer decided that name represented her both as a performer and person.    

So why do so many celebrities change their names?  

Matt Hood, Head of Membership at performers’ union Equity, said: ‘Having a unique professional name (or stage name) is vital for a performer. Your name is your brand and your reputation and having a unique professional name is key to establishing yourself in a highly compeтιтive industry.

‘It will be pᴀssed on through word of mouth, appear online, on screen and in print. It will be how you are found to be offered work, and how money from royalties and residuals will find you, even after your performing life is over. 

‘A mother’s maiden name or a double-barrelled name is common,’ he said. ‘Or maybe you’re sick of being Boris, and now you can be the Jamie you always wanted.’

Mr Hood explained that there may, in fact, be a declining trend of professional names being used: ‘Some people are understandably attached to the name they have used since birth and really want to keep it, even if unwise in terms of creating that unique professional idenтιтy.’