12 Famous People You Didn’t Know Go By Their Middle Names
Ever wonder if your favorite celebrity is hiding something?
Well, not exactly hiding, but many stars don’t actually go by their first names.
From Hollywood heartthrobs to chart-topping musicians, tons of famous folks prefer their middle names over what’s on their birth certificates.
Get ready to discover which A-listers have been keeping this fun little secret from you all along!
1. Ashton Kutcher
Born Christopher Ashton Kutcher, this Hollywood superstar ditched his first name when he started acting.
Ashton just sounded cooler and more memorable for the big screen.
Though his family still calls him Chris, the rest of the world knows him as Ashton.
From “That ’70s Show” to producing hit movies, he’s built an empire under his middle name.
Fun fact: He’s also a tech investor extraordinaire!
Who knew Christopher would become such an iconic Ashton?
2. Reese Witherspoon
Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon decided early on that Reese had that special sparkle.
She borrowed her mom’s maiden name and made it her stage identity.
Can you imagine calling her Laura instead?
It just doesn’t have the same ring to it!
Reese has won Oscars, produced amazing shows, and built a business empire.
Her middle name choice was clearly a smart career move that paid off big time.
3. Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty chose to go by her middle name when she burst onto the music scene.
She’s mentioned that hearing “Robyn” feels super personal and intimate.
Only close friends and family get to use her first name.
Meanwhile, the rest of us know her as the queen Rihanna.
Honestly, Rihanna just sounds like a superstar name, doesn’t it?
4. Tina Fey
Elizabeth Stamatina Fey shortened her Greek middle name to create her stage persona.
Tina is way easier to remember than Stamatina, right?
However, her full name honors her Greek heritage beautifully.
From “Saturday Night Live” to “30 Rock,” Tina has made us laugh for decades.
She’s a comedy genius who knows that sometimes simpler is better.
Elizabeth who? We only know the hilarious Tina!
5. Brad Pitt
William Bradley Pitt chose to go by Bradley, which later became Brad.
Can you picture him as a “William” or “Bill” on movie posters?
Yeah, neither can we!
Brad just has that movie star quality that William lacks.
His middle name choice helped create one of cinema’s most recognizable brands.
6. Dakota Johnson
Hannah Dakota Johnson decided Dakota sounded more distinctive for Hollywood.
Born into a famous acting family, she needed a name that would stand out.
Dakota definitely has that cool, edgy vibe that Hannah doesn’t quite capture.
She’s starred in everything from “Fifty Shades” to critically acclaimed indie films.
Her middle name became her ticket to establishing her own identity.
Sometimes you gotta shake things up to make your mark!
7. Kiefer Sutherland
Donald Kiefer Sutherland goes by his middle name to avoid confusion with his dad.
His father, Donald Sutherland, was already a famous actor.
Using Kiefer helped him carve out his own identity in Hollywood.
Imagine if both father and son were called Donald professionally?
That would’ve been confusing for casting directors and fans alike!
8. Mindy Kaling
Vera Mindy Chokalingam decided to shorten things for her comedy career.
Mindy Kaling is way catchier and easier for audiences to remember.
She’s created, written, and starred in multiple hit shows.
Her middle name helped build a brand that’s funny, relatable, and unforgettable.
Sometimes a name change is just good business sense, you know?
9. Khloe Kardashian
Though less known, Khloe’s full name is actually Khloe Alexandra Kardashian.
While she does use Khloe as her first name, many don’t realize Alexandra sits quietly in the middle.
She’s built an empire through reality TV, fashion, and fitness ventures.
Her name recognition is off the charts worldwide.
However, Alexandra rarely gets mentioned in the spotlight.
Khloe stands strong on its own without needing backup!
10. Freddie Prinze Jr.
Frederick James Prinze Jr. goes by Freddie, which comes from his first name Frederick.
Wait, isn’t Freddie short for Frederick, not a middle name?
Actually, his middle name James often gets overlooked entirely.
He’s famous for teen movies and voice acting in animated series.
From “She’s All That” to “Star Wars Rebels,” he’s been everywhere.
His casual nickname became his professional brand instead of formal Frederick.
11. Rumer Willis
Scout LaRue Willis goes by her middle name professionally… wait, that’s her sister!
Actually, Rumer Glenn Willis uses Rumer, which IS her first name.
However, her sister Scout LaRue Willis goes by Scout, also a first name.
But their sister Tallulah Belle goes by Tallulah.
The Willis sisters all have unique naming stories worth exploring.
Celebrity families sure love creative names that spark conversation!
12. James Van Der Beek
James William Van Der Beek Jr. actually goes by his first name professionally.
However, his middle name William often gets forgotten in the shuffle.
From “Dawson’s Creek” to comedy roles, he’s been a familiar face for decades.
His name became synonymous with teen drama in the late ’90s.
Though James is his actual first name, many forget about William hiding there.
Sometimes middle names just fade into the background quietly!
