Why do some celebrities have stage names?

Question

Is it an alter ego thing? Like the celebrity persona isn't really them? Why????

Here's some:

50 Cent Curtis Jackson

Adam Ant Stuart Leslie Goddard

Adam Faith Terence Nelhams

Alice Cooper Vincent Damon Furnier

Anna Nicole Smith Vickie Lynn Hogan

Axl Rose William Bailey

Barbara Windsor Barbara-Ann Deeks

Barry Manilow Barry Alan Pinkus

Benny Hill Alfred Hawthorne Hill

Bez Mark Berry

Big Daddy Shirley Crabtree

Bill Wyman William Perks

Billy Idol William Broad

Billy Ocean Leslie Sabastian Charles

Bing Crosby Harry Lillis Crosby

Bob Dylan Robert Allen Zimmerman

Bono Paul Hewson

Boy George George O Dowd

Brigette Bardot Camille Javal

Buddy Holly Charles Hardin Holley

Carmen Electra Tara Patrick

Charlie Sheen Carlos Irwin Estevez

Charlton Heston John Charles Carter

Cher Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPiere

Cheryl Baker Rita Crudgington

Chris De Burgh Christopher Davidson

Cilla Black Priscilla White

Cliff Richard Harry Webb

Crystal Gayle Brenda Gail Webb

David Bowie David Rob

Answer 1

Favorite Answer

Their "real" names are normal or weird sounding...

Answer 2

Celebrity Stage Names

Source(s): https://shrinke.im/a8GJF

Answer 3

It's a name to Entertain with.

With a name switch they feel as an artist that what ever they do is seperate from who they really are, and the family name and values they represent - this way they are free to do what must be done in the dirty and competitive world of entertainment to be #1.

PS. and the name might sound better, smoother, more recognizable for advertising / promoting.

Answer 4

The stage names are more recognizable and catchy among fans and regular people, and also people want to feel a sense of security, and if that is by keeping their name unknown then so be it. I mean if you were at a Guns concert, it would be lame to be like "WILLIAM BAILEY, YOU ROCK!" that sounds lame, that's why he chose Axl Rose.

Answer 5

A stage name is better, it launch the actor or singer in the spot light of popularity,and it give a better chance, to stardom

Answer 6

Well, that's how it is for Alice Cooper I don't know about the others though. I'm guessing they don't like their real name. Y'know, just for the same reasons people would change their name.

Answer 7

Maybe to 'glam' up their names. Or maybe so that people cant do background checks on the 'pre fame' lives

ps this link below is my audition for neighbours, please watch and comment it

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Rif4q4y1-fs

Answer 8

It's cool.

Answer 9

haha because it attracts attention if its cool or somethin

and this getting people to watch or listen to them etc etc

Answer 10

2 make it better ortehy deserve it