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Beyond Snoop Dogg/Snoop Lion -- name-changing celebrities - Washington Post

We know, you thought that there was something precious about that singer known for her sudden ''Saturday Night Live'' appearance -- and bomb. But it definitely added some spice.

Elizabeth Grant to Lana Del Ray

We know, you thought that there was something precious about that singer known for her sudden ''Saturday Night Live'' appearance -- and bomb. But it definitely added some spice.

Joel Ryan / AP

Before Tiger Blood, before #Winning, even before 'Platoon,'' there was a brother to Emilio Estevez who took the stage surname of his dad, Martin Sheen.

Carlos Estevez to Charlie Sheen

Before Tiger Blood, before #Winning, even before "Platoon,'' there was a brother to Emilio Estevez who took the stage surname of his dad, Martin Sheen.

GUS RUELAS / REUTERS

No, not Hanna. She was named Destiny Hope in the aspiration she'd do great things. She got the nickname 'Smiley,'' which was later shortened to Miley.

Destiny Hope Cyrus to Miley Cyrus

No, not Hanna. She was named Destiny Hope in the aspiration she'd do great things. She got the nickname "Smiley,'' which was later shortened to Miley.

Jason Merritt / GETTY IMAGES FOR AIF

While we're talking 80s music, thought we'd hit you with this shot: Pat Benatar changed her name the old-fashioned way -- marrying a high school sweetheart with that surname. Also we found out the Spandexed singer of 'Love Is a Battlefield'' is a mezzo sorprano.

Patricia Mae Andrzejewski to Pat Benatar

While we're talking 80s music, thought we'd hit you with this shot: Pat Benatar changed her name the old-fashioned way -- marrying a high school sweetheart with that surname. Also we found out the Spandexed singer of "Love Is a Battlefield'' is a mezzo sorprano.

CHRIS MARTINEZ / AP

Prince — born Prince Rogers Nelson — changed his stage name in 1994 to an unpronounceable symbol dubbed “The Love Symbol,” and was referred to as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.” He left the squiggle behind in 2000, returning to using “Prince” again.

Prince to the Artist Formerly Known As (and back)

Prince â€" born Prince Rogers Nelson â€" changed his stage name in 1994 to an unpronounceable symbol dubbed “The Love Symbol,” and was referred to as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.” He left the squiggle behind in 2000, returning to using “Prince” again.

BERTRAND GUAY / AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Her mom called her a whoopee cushion, so that's where the first name came from. The Goldberg part? Well, in her Turner Classic Movies bio, she said her mom felt the original surname was not 'Jewish enough'' to make her a star. She first thought of acting when she saw the character Uhura on the TV series 'Star Trek.'

Caryn Johnson to Whoopi Goldberg

Her mom called her a whoopee cushion, so that's where the first name came from. The Goldberg part? Well, in her Turner Classic Movies bio, she said her mom felt the original surname was not "Jewish enough'' to make her a star. She first thought of acting when she saw the character Uhura on the TV series "Star Trek."

KEVORK DJANSEZIAN / AP

The talented and occasionally rambunctious NBA athlete (he was once suspended for 87 games for a fight with a fan) changed his name to Metta World Peace in 2011.  Aspirational? A nod to NBA predecessor Lloyd (later World B.) Free? Timely for his gig last autumn on 'Dancing With The Stars'? Whatever the reason, Metta, which means loving kindness and friendliness toward others, didn't stick. He's back to Ron Artest.

Ron Artest to Metta World Peace (and back)

The talented and occasionally rambunctious NBA athlete (he was once suspended for 87 games for a fight with a fan) changed his name to Metta World Peace in 2011.  Aspirational? A nod to NBA predecessor Lloyd (later World B.) Free? Timely for his gig last autumn on "Dancing With The Stars"? Whatever the reason, Metta, which means loving kindness and friendliness toward others, didn't stick. He's back to Ron Artest.

LUCY NICHOLSON / REUTERS

Personally we liked Ochocinco, the number in Spanish (85) of the NFL player's uniform. We also loved his back and forth with House Speaker John Boehner in a January Twitter. But, alas, he is back to being Chad Johnson.

Chad Javon Johnson to Chad Ochocinco (and back) 

Personally we liked Ochocinco, the number in Spanish (85) of the NFL player's uniform. We also loved his back and forth with House Speaker John Boehner in a January Twitter. But, alas, he is back to being Chad Johnson.

J Pat Carter / AP

Whoops, we almost forgot about Swag. Combs may take the prize for name-changers (he occasionally uses Combs as well). He said he got the nickname 'Puff'' because he would huff and puff when angry, and Daddy was a synonym for player.

Sean Combs to Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Diddy

Whoops, we almost forgot about Swag. Combs may take the prize for name-changers (he occasionally uses Combs as well). He said he got the nickname "Puff'' because he would huff and puff when angry, and Daddy was a synonym for player.

Jonathan Short / AP

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