One thing that’s never gone out of style in Hollywood? Cultivating a unique persona with the help of a stage name. Even today, as social media influences celebrities to be more authentic and accessible, new stars have traded their names for shorter or more-memorable zingers. While some completely wipe the slate clean (we’re looking at you, Lorde!), others simply replace a first or last name. Scroll through to discover the real names your favorite stars were born with, and when you’re ready for even more surprises, check out stars whose real ages will blow your mind.
KIT HARINGTON = CHRISTOPHER CATESBY HARINGTON
TOM CRUISE = THOMAS CRUISE MAPOTHER IV
REESE WITHERSPOON = LAURA JEANNE REESE WITHERSPOON
JULIANNE MOORE = JULIE ANNE SMITH
PRINCE = PRINCE ROGERS NELSON
LADY GAGA = STEFANI JOANNE ANGELINA GERMANOTTA
FERGIE = STACY ANN FERGUSON
MILA KUNIS = MILENA MARKOVNA KUNIS
MEG RYAN = MARGARET MARY EMILY ANNE HYRA
ELTON JOHN = REGINALD KENNETH DWIGHT
Source: msn.com
