Before they made it in Hollywood, most celebrities were everyday people with everyday names.
There are a select few however whose names are completely different than their celebrity persona and leave us scratching our heads.
From the old fashioned to the just plain bizarre, check out a few celebs with unique government names below.
Plies- Real Name: Algernod Lanier Washington
This rapper’s name sounds nothing like the goon persona he’s famous for.
Akon- Real Name: Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Badara Akon Thiam
Akon is of Senegalese descent.
Nuff said.
T.I.- Real Name: Clifford Harris
T.I.’s real name has nothing to do with his rap persona.
The Bankhead rapper originally went by Tip, a family nickname, but shortened it to T.I. to avoid confusion with Q-Tip.
Coolio- Real Name: Artis Leon Ivey Jr.
I guess Artis is cool—e-oh?? Uhhh….
Snoop Dogg- Real Name: Cordozar Calvin Broadus
Snoop is said to have gotten his name from his mom who used to call him “Snoop” like the ‘Peanuts’ cartoon character Snoopy.
Ginuwine- Real Name: Elgin Baylor Lumpkin
Mr. Lumpkin’s new album Elgin pays homage to his government name which he says he did in honor of his late mother.
Lady Gaga- Real Name: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta
This Italian singer reportedly got her name from a song by the band Queen, “Radio Gaga. ”
Whoopi Goldberg- Real Name: Caryn Elaine Johnson
Whoopi reportedly took her name from whoopi cushion, part of her stand-up comedy routine and added Goldberg so she’d be taken more seriously.
Who knew?
Ne-Yo- Real Name: Shaffer Chimere Smith
Ne-Yo takes his name from Neo in The Matrix films.
Seal- Real Name: Seal Henry Olusegun Kwassi Olumide Adelo Samuel
The British singer of Nigerian descent goes professionally by his first name.
He’s currently married to super model Heidi Klum.
