Orlando Bloom calls Katy Perry by her real name at the MTV VMAs, Meghan Markle and stars with different names

When Orlando Bloom took to the stage at New York’s UBS Arena for the 2024 Video Music Awards, he said: “Give it up for our newest Video Vanguard, Katheryn Hudson. “ He then added, “Katy Perry!”

Orlando Bloom also said: "You fell in love with her as Katy Perry, I fell in love with her as Katheryn Hudson," he added. "You know her as a global superstar who brings love, light and her unique sense of humour into every song she writes and every music video she creates."

As you can imagine, the right name is of pivotal importance in the celebrity world. Katy Perry is not the only star who has chosen to use a different name than the one she was given a birth. Here are some other Hollywood A-listers and a certain royal who have decided on a more ‘suitable’ name for their profession.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was actually born Rachel Meghan Markle, but started to use Meghan as her first name as far back as her school days. 

Emma Stone

Actress Emma Stone is not actually Emma but Emily Jean Stone. The reason she had to change Emily to Emma was that it was taken at SAG. Before Emma, the actress chose Riley but apparently it didn’t work on set!

Reese Witherspoon

Hollywood actress Reese does have Reese in her full name, but it isn’t her first name. She was born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon, but opted for Reese when she starred as a 14 year old in The Man in the Moon. Reese is the maiden name of Reese Witherspoon’s mother.

Olivia Wilde

Actress Olivia Wilde and former girlfriend of Harry Styles, was born Olivia Cockburn but she decided on Olivia Wilde after Oscar Wilde. As someone who is obsessed with Oscar Wilde myself, I completely understand why she chose it. 

Demi Moore

For years, I assumed Demi Moore’s real name was Demi Moore, but it is in fact Demetria Gene Guynes. The Hollywood actress’s mother reportedly chose Demetria for her daughter as she saw it in a shampoo ad. Demi Moore originally thought her father was Danny Guynes but it later transpired she was the daughter of Charles Harman.

And as for Moore? Demi Moore has not only been married to Bruce Willis, but in 1980 wed singer Freddy Moore, and despite divorcing, kept his name.

Julianne Moore

Actress Julianne Moore was born Julie Anne Smith. She told The New York Times that “My father’s middle name is Moore; my mother’s name is Anne. So I just slammed the Anne onto the Julie.”

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt does have Brad or Bradley in his full name, but his full name is William Bradley Pitt.

Rihanna was born Robyn Rihanna Fenty and according to reports, is still called Robyn by friends and family.