stage name
Definition
Noun: A stage name is a pseudonym, or a fictitious name, adopted by a performer, such as an actor, singer, dancer, or comedian, for professional use in their public career. It is distinct from their legal or birth name.
Usage
A stage name is used professionally in all public-facing work, including credits in films, television, theater productions, music recordings, and promotional materials. Performers may adopt a stage name for various reasons, such as creating a more memorable or marketable identity, separating their personal and professional lives, or using a name that is easier to pronounce in different languages.
Examples
- Noun:
- Marilyn Monroe was the famous stage name of Norma Jeane Mortenson.
- The actor chose a stage name because his birth name was already trademarked by another business.
- Many performers use a stage name to protect their family's privacy.
Advanced Usage
- "to perform under a stage name": To use a stage name for one's professional appearances and work.
- She has performed under that stage name for over two decades.
Variants and Related Words
- Pseudonym (n): A fictitious name used by an author or, more broadly, any person. A stage name is a type of pseudonym specific to performers.
- Alias (n): Another name by which a person is known. While often used in legal or criminal contexts, it can also refer to a stage name.
- Nom de plume (n): A pseudonym used by a writer (literally "pen name" in French).
Synonyms
- Professional name: A name used in one's professional capacity.
- Performing name: A name specifically used for performances.
Related Phrases
- To go by the stage name of...: To be professionally known as a particular name.
- The singer goes by the stage name of "Lady Gaga".
Noun
-
the pseudonym of an actor
