by Deborah Allan

Created on: December 08, 2009   Last Updated: December 09, 2009

Many celebrities have changed their names, either before or after they have become famous. Some changed their names to break into their desired field, while others changed their names after wards because they just didn't have the right ring to them. Others just want to give their family some privacy, and changing their last name can help. Some others may feel that their birth names are just too plain and not glamorous enough for what they want to do. Some examples are noted below.

Pat Benetar was born Patricia Mae Andrzejewski, and I personally, am glad she did. I just can't imagine that Patricia Mae Andrzejewski would have been as popular, or looked as good on an album cover as Pat Benetar.

Wynonna Judd was born Christina Ciminila, and again Wynonna Judd really is more catchy and much easily remembered than the latter.

The infamous Al Brooks, best known, without a doubt, for his many voices in The Simpsons, was born Albert Lawrence Einstein, and it comes as no surprise as to why he changed his last name.

The star of Dr.Quinn, Medicine Woman, known to us as Jane Seymour, was born Joyce Penelope Wilhelmina Frankenberg, and it was a very good move on her part to shorten and change her name. I don't think that Joyce Penelope Wilhelmina Frankenberg would have been as catchy for some reason.

Demi Moore almost got it right when she changed her last name, but her full name is Demetria Gene Guynes, and I personally think that Demetria should have stayed. It is so sophisticated, and sexy. Not that she needs any help, don't get me wrong, but Demetria is a beautiful name, and shortening it to Demi, that to me is kind of awkward.

Did you know that Portia De Rossi was born as Mandy Rodgers? A wise change for Portia, her name is now so unique and foreign, it in itself gives you the notion that she is mysterious, where as Mandy Rodgers sounds like the girl next door. Very nice and creative.

Jennifer Aniston also changed her name, from Jennifer Anastassakis, which was probably mostly because of her famous father, and not wanting to be portrayed as following on his coat tails. She is brilliant, and I don't think it would matter what her name is.

My all time favorite name change is Miley Cyrus. Miley was born Destiny Hope Cyrus, and in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Billy Ray explained that when she was born, he felt that she had a Destiny to bring Hope to the world. How amazing is that. Miley is a nickname, that started as Smiley as she was a happy baby, and just eventually got shortened to Miley.

Learn more about this author, Deborah Allan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.