Actresses who Changed Their Name (and Why)

Names can set the tone for a career—especially in show business, where a syllable that’s easier to pronounce or a credit that avoids confusion can make practical differences. Performers have adopted stage names to resolve union conflicts, honor relatives, fit studio-era marketing, or help their work travel across languages and regions.

This list focuses on actresses who actually changed their names, not those who simply shortened a given one. Each entry outlines the original name, the professional name, and the specific circumstances or reasons behind the change, plus a few key projects where the new credit appears.

Marilyn Monroe

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson (later baptized as Norma Jeane Baker), she adopted “Marilyn Monroe” at 20th Century-Fox, combining a first name inspired by Marilyn Miller with her mother’s maiden surname. She later made the change legal as her film career accelerated.

She used the professional name across major credits including ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ and ‘Some Like It Hot’. The studio credit appeared consistently in publicity, contracts, and screen billing.

Judy Garland

Frances Ethel Gumm took “Judy Garland” as she transitioned from vaudeville to MGM features, with “Judy” echoing a popular song and “Garland” providing a concise, marquee-ready surname. The new credit replaced earlier troupe billing under the Gumm family name.

She headlined as Judy Garland in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’. The name was used on cast lists, recordings, and touring engagements.

Lauren Bacall

Betty Joan Perske adopted her mother’s maiden surname and became “Lauren Bacall” as she moved from modeling to film. The change established a distinct professional identity separate from her family name in everyday life.

She was credited as Lauren Bacall in ‘To Have and Have Not’ and ‘The Big Sleep’. Contracts, posters, and studio call sheets used the updated name.

Joan Crawford

Lucille Fay LeSueur’s studio organized a public naming contest that resulted in “Joan Crawford.” The studio filed the new credit for all marketing and production paperwork.

She worked under that name in ‘Grand Hotel’ and ‘Mildred Pierce’. Payroll records, guild listings, and film credits standardized the Crawford surname.

Rita Hayworth

Margarita Carmen Cansino became “Rita Hayworth,” adopting her mother’s maiden surname to widen casting opportunities beyond specialty dance parts. The studio coordinated the reintroduction in fan magazines and press materials.

She appeared as Rita Hayworth in ‘Gilda’ and ‘Cover Girl’. Release prints, lobby cards, and soundtrack listings reflect the name across territories.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedwig Eva Kiesler took “Hedy Lamarr” upon signing in Hollywood, with the surname selected in tribute to Barbara La Marr. The name was registered for American screen credits and publicity.

She used it in ‘Algiers’ and ‘Samson and Delilah’. The Lamarr credit also appeared on patent filings related to her engineering work.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Kathleen Ruston later used Hepburn-Ruston after her father added “Hepburn,” and she ultimately worked professionally as “Audrey Hepburn.” The simplified credit was adopted across European and American productions.

She is billed as Audrey Hepburn in ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. Wardrobe contracts, press kits, and awards entries use this form.

Vivien Leigh

Vivian Mary Hartley became “Vivien Leigh” after marrying Herbert Leigh Holman and adjusted the spelling of her given name for credits. She retained the surname even after later personal changes.

She appears as Vivien Leigh in ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. Equity listings and studio rosters record the Leigh surname throughout her career.

Sophia Loren

Sofia Villani Scicolone first worked as “Sofia Lazzaro” before producers settled on “Sophia Loren,” a version that traveled easily in export markets. The standardized spelling was used on Italian and international releases.

She’s credited as Sophia Loren in ‘Two Women’ and ‘Marriage Italian Style’. Festival catalogs and international dubbing sheets use the Loren name.

Greta Garbo

Greta Lovisa Gustafsson became “Greta Garbo” early in her career under director Mauritz Stiller’s guidance. The singular surname was filed with MGM for all official materials.

She is listed as Greta Garbo in ‘Camille’ and ‘Ninotchka’. Studio biographies, contracts, and release ledgers carry the Garbo credit.

Veronica Lake

Constance Frances Marie Ockleman adopted “Veronica Lake” during a studio rebranding that also established her signature hairstyle. The name change was rolled into talent agreements and advertising copy.

She is billed as Veronica Lake in ‘This Gun for Hire’ and ‘Sullivan’s Travels’. Trade ads and exhibitor manuals identify her exclusively under the Lake surname.

Claire Trevor

Claire Wemlinger took “Claire Trevor” early in her contract years to streamline billing. The new surname appears on casting directories and guild registrations.

She used it in ‘Stagecoach’ and ‘Key Largo’. Publicity stills, call sheets, and title cards reflect the Trevor credit.

Doris Day

Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff became “Doris Day,” a concise radio-friendly surname introduced by bandleaders and publicists. The adoption preceded her transition into films.

She is credited as Doris Day in ‘Pillow Talk’ and ‘Calamity Jane’. Recording labels, chart listings, and film credits use the Day surname.

Sandra Dee

Alexandra Zuck adopted “Sandra Dee” when moving from modeling into youth-oriented features. The new name was registered with the studio and press offices for consistent use.

She appears as Sandra Dee in ‘Gidget’ and ‘A Summer Place’. Tie-in merchandise and magazine features use the Dee credit.

Anne Bancroft

Anna Maria Louisa Italiano changed to “Anne Bancroft” to avoid ethnic typecasting and simplify credits for television and film. The updated surname was entered with unions and agencies.

She used it in ‘The Miracle Worker’ and ‘The Graduate’. Broadway programs, film crawls, and award submissions show the Bancroft name.

Natalie Wood

Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko became “Natalie Wood,” adopting an anglicized professional surname during her child-actor years. Studio paperwork standardized the Wood surname for American audiences.

She appears as Natalie Wood in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ and ‘West Side Story’. Promotional tours and newsreel captions use the Wood credit.

Joan Fontaine

Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland took “Joan Fontaine” to pursue work independently from her sister, Olivia de Havilland. The change reduced confusion in casting records.

She is billed as Joan Fontaine in ‘Rebecca’ and ‘Suspicion’. Studio memos and legal filings reference the Fontaine name.

Yvonne De Carlo

Margaret Yvonne Middleton adopted “Yvonne De Carlo,” a constructed surname approved by publicists for continental flair. The new identity was applied across film and later television.

She appears as Yvonne De Carlo in ‘The Ten Commandments’ and ‘The Munsters’. Screen credits, autograph cards, and syndication packages use De Carlo.

Linda Darnell

Monetta Eloyse Darnell adopted “Linda Darnell,” selecting a simpler given name for casting directories. The surname remained intact while the first name changed for screen use.

She is credited as Linda Darnell in ‘A Letter to Three Wives’ and ‘Forever Amber’. Talent files and agency sheets carry the Linda form.

Jane Seymour

Joyce Penelope Wilhelmina Frankenberg chose “Jane Seymour,” taking a Tudor queen’s name for its brevity and recognition. The name was used consistently once she moved from stage to screen.

She appears as Jane Seymour in ‘Somewhere in Time’ and ‘Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman’. International sales materials and network credits use this form.

Shelley Winters

Shirley Schrift became “Shelley Winters” during her transition from stage to studio films. The name was entered on guild cards and studio rosters.

She is billed as Shelley Winters in ‘A Place in the Sun’ and ‘The Poseidon Adventure’. Publicity releases and casting notices use the Winters credit.

Piper Laurie

Rosetta Jacobs took “Piper Laurie” at a studio’s suggestion to increase distinctiveness among contract players. The name change was reflected in all subsequent film contracts.

She appears as Piper Laurie in ‘The Hustler’ and ‘Carrie’. Trade directories and awards ballots list the Laurie surname.

Natalie Portman

Neta-Lee Hershlag adopted “Natalie Portman,” using her paternal grandmother’s maiden name to separate professional work from private life. The new surname was registered for film and academic contexts.

She is credited as Natalie Portman in ‘Léon: The Professional’ and ‘Black Swan’. Press notes and festival programs use the Portman name.

Winona Ryder

Winona Laura Horowitz selected “Ryder,” reportedly after musician Mitch Ryder, for a succinct professional surname. The change was entered with her agents and unions.

She appears as Winona Ryder in ‘Heathers’ and ‘Edward Scissorhands’. Casting databases and international posters use the Ryder credit.

Helen Mirren

Ilyena Lydia Vasilievna Mironov’s family anglicized the surname to “Mirren,” and she adopted “Helen” professionally. The updated name was used on British stage programs before film credits.

She is listed as Helen Mirren in ‘Prime Suspect’ and ‘The Queen’. Award submissions and royal honors records use the Mirren surname.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Jane Cockburn chose “Wilde” in homage to Oscar Wilde while still in school. She registered the new surname as her acting credit before television work.

She appears as Olivia Wilde in ‘House’ and as director of ‘Booksmart’. Public records for directing and producing use the Wilde name.

Brie Larson

Brianne Sidonie Desaulniers adopted “Brie Larson,” choosing a shorter given name and a simplified surname to reduce mispronunciation. The credit was standardized early in her filmography.

She is billed as Brie Larson in ‘Room’ and ‘Captain Marvel’. Press junket materials and casting notices use the Larson name.

Whoopi Goldberg

Caryn Elaine Johnson became “Whoopi Goldberg,” adopting a stage nickname and pairing it with a distinctive surname for billing. The name was used first in stand-up engagements, then on-screen.

She appears as Whoopi Goldberg in ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Ghost’. Television credits, Broadway programs, and film crawls use the Goldberg surname.

Awkwafina

Nora Lum created the moniker “Awkwafina” for early music and comedy releases and carried it into acting. The name was cleared for film credits and awards eligibility.

She is credited as Awkwafina in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘The Farewell’. Talent profiles and network contracts list the stage name.

Julie Andrews

Julia Elizabeth Wells adopted her stepfather’s surname to become “Julie Andrews,” a change that preceded her film debut. She used the new surname on cast albums and stage programs.

She appears as Julie Andrews in ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Sound of Music’. Recording credits, film titles, and honors citations use Andrews.

Julianne Moore

Julie Anne Smith merged her given names and took her mother’s maiden surname to become “Julianne Moore,” avoiding a duplicate in the actors’ union. The composite was filed with SAG-AFTRA and Equity.

She is credited as Julianne Moore in ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘Still Alice’. Festival lineups and studio press books use the Moore name.

Diane Keaton

Diane Hall adopted her mother’s maiden name, becoming “Diane Keaton,” to avoid confusion with another registered performer. The change was recorded with unions and agencies.

She appears as Diane Keaton in ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘Something’s Gotta Give’. Production reports and award entries use the Keaton surname.

Lily James

Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson took “James” in honor of her late father, actor James Thomson. She filed the new surname for crediting before major television roles.

She is billed as Lily James in ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Cinderella’. Publicists, casting sites, and international distributors use the James name.

Olivia Colman

Sarah Caroline Colman became “Olivia Colman” to avoid a first-name duplication at Equity. She retained her family surname and registered the new first name for all screen and stage use.

She appears as Olivia Colman in ‘The Favourite’ and ‘The Crown’. Official honors lists and film credits use the Olivia form.

Sigourney Weaver

Susan Alexandra Weaver adopted “Sigourney” after encountering the name in ‘The Great Gatsby’ and later used it professionally. She registered the given-name change before major film work.

She is credited as Sigourney Weaver in ‘Alien’ and ‘Gorillas in the Mist’. Press kits, franchise materials, and award listings use Sigourney.

Rooney Mara

Patricia Rooney Mara moved her middle name to the front and works as “Rooney Mara.” The arrangement reflects family names on both her parents’ sides.

She appears as Rooney Mara in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ and ‘Carol’. Casting databases and film posters use the Rooney-first configuration.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Ewuraba Boakye-Collinson adopted the professional surname “Coel,” simplifying her credit for international use and making it easier to pronounce in English-language markets. She retained her given names while standardizing the surname for billing and publicity.

She is credited as Michaela Coel in ‘I May Destroy You’ and ‘Chewing Gum’. Production agreements, festival schedules, and broadcasters’ listings use the Coel surname.

Thandiwe Newton

Long credited as “Thandie Newton,” she restored the original “Thandiwe” spelling and pronunciation in her professional credits. The update appears in studio materials and on-screen crawls.

She appears as Thandiwe Newton in ‘Westworld’ and ‘Crash’. Agency profiles and trade announcements reflect the restored form.

Michelle Yeoh

Yeoh Choo-Kheng adopted “Michelle Yeoh,” appearing internationally for a period as “Michelle Khan” before returning to Yeoh. The English given name and the Yeoh surname are the forms used on global releases.

She is billed as Michelle Yeoh in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. Awards entries and distributors’ cue sheets use the Yeoh credit.

Emma Stone

Born Emily Jean Stone, she changed her professional first name to “Emma” to resolve a union conflict with an already-registered performer of the same name. She registered the new given name before her breakout film roles.

She appears as Emma Stone in ‘La La Land’ and ‘Easy A’. Casting records, press notes, and guild listings use the Emma credit.

Rekha

Bhanurekha Ganesan is professionally known as “Rekha,” a streamlined mononym widely used in Indian cinema. The single-name credit appears on posters, soundtracks, and television broadcasts.

She is billed as Rekha in ‘Umrao Jaan’ and ‘Silsila’. Award ceremonies and archival catalogs use the mononym.

Madhubala

Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi became “Madhubala,” a stage name adopted early with the guidance of filmmakers. The name was used across Hindi cinema distribution circuits.

She appears as Madhubala in ‘Mahal’ and ‘Mughal-e-Azam’. Trade publications, studio registers, and film prints carry the Madhubala credit.

Meena Kumari

Mahjabeen Bano adopted “Meena Kumari” at producers’ suggestion to create a stage-friendly credit. The new name spans her transition from child roles to adult stardom.

She is credited as Meena Kumari in ‘Pakeezah’ and ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’. Film magazines and archival posters use the Meena Kumari name.

Sridevi

Shree Amma Yanger Ayyappan became professionally known as “Sridevi,” a concise stage name used throughout her career from child roles onward. The standardized single-name credit appears across multiple Indian film industries.

She is billed as Sridevi in ‘Mr. India’ and ‘Chandni’. Television telecasts, soundtrack sleeves, and press books use the Sridevi name.

Nargis

Fatima Rashid took the stage name “Nargis,” a poetic mononym adopted as she moved into lead roles. The name is used consistently in credits and publicity.

She appears as Nargis in ‘Mother India’ and ‘Barsaat’. Studio records and national film archives catalog her work under the Nargis credit.

Rinko Kikuchi

Yuriko Kikuchi adopted “Rinko” as her professional given name while retaining her family surname. The change was registered for international billing and festival documentation.

She is credited as Rinko Kikuchi in ‘Babel’ and ‘Pacific Rim’. Press kits and dubbing/translation scripts use the Rinko given name.

IU

Lee Ji-eun performs and acts under the stage name “IU,” coined to suggest “I and You” becoming one through music. The romanized moniker is used across albums, dramas, and variety programs.

She appears as IU in ‘Hotel del Luna’ and ‘My Mister’. Streaming platforms, drama posters, and award ballots credit her under IU.

Andra Day

Cassandra Monique Batie adopted “Andra Day,” drawing inspiration from Billie Holiday’s nickname “Lady Day.” The name was cleared for both recording and acting credits.

She is billed as Andra Day in ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’ and in concert films. Music charts, film credits, and festival programs use the Day surname.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugulethu Mbatha hyphenated her surname to “Mbatha-Raw,” incorporating her mother’s surname to reflect both parents. The hyphenated form appears in official documents and credits.

She is credited as Gugu Mbatha-Raw in ‘Belle’ and ‘Beyond the Lights’. Casting platforms and agency rosters use the hyphenated surname.

Blake Lively

Blake Ellender Brown became “Blake Lively,” using the family surname adopted by relatives already working in entertainment. She filed the Lively surname for all professional credits.

She appears as Blake Lively in ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘A Simple Favor’. Fashion campaigns, film titles, and talk-show bookings use the Lively name.

Share your favorite example—or one we missed—and tell us why it stands out to you in the comments!