Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars spent years making a name for themselves which helped them become instantly recognizable around the world.

However, some of those names weren’t the monikers they were born with, and many of the celebrities we know and love today actually go by stage names.

Meghan Markle

The former Suits actress’ full name is actually Rachel Meghan Markle – the same Christian name as her on-screen character, Rachel Zane.

The mother-of-two has never explained the reason behind her name change. We suspect, like many actors, the star scrapped her original moniker for a catchier stage name

Will Ferrell

Anchorman star Will Ferrell was “embarrassed” by his given name, John William Ferrell.

“I remember feeling so embarrassed because my real name is John, John William Ferrell, so first day of school, I’d be John,” he said on the MeSsy podcast.

“The teacher would be like ‘John Ferrell?’ and it was so embarrassing to me to have to say ‘Here, but I go by Will, I don’t go by John.'”

When asked why he chose to ditch John, he said: “It wasn’t my choice. My parents named me John but they called me Will. I grew up as Will, but on a rule sheet, my legal name is John Ferrell.”

Emma Stone

Emma Stone was born Emily Jean Stone but had to ditch her first name after joining the Screen Actors Guild and discovering there was another girl who shared her moniker.

However, in a recent interview, the Cruella star confessed she “would like to be” referred to by her original name whenever possible.

When asked by The Hollywood Reporter whether she would correct a fan who called her Emily rather than Emma, she responded: “No. That would be so nice. I would like to be Emily.”

Tom Cruise

Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise’s full name is Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, after his father, Thomas Mapother III, but he shortened his moniker before his Hollywood career took off

.

KINDLY CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY FOR FREE, GET THE LATEST ON THE GO HERE