Pen & Stage Names

Names are very personal, but they are also our public 'face'. A name can be instantly recognizable, and that is why sometimes pen names and stage names are used to either present the public with a more memorable name, or to hide behind a new identity. A pen name, or nom de plume, or literary double, is a pseudonym which is used by a writer. If the author is looking to hide his real identity by using a pen name then his real name may only be known by the publishers; however, if the pen name is used without the intention to hide the author's identity, then the real name of the person behind the pen name may end up being well known by the public, or at least those reading his work.

Pen names are also used by authors who have previously published work under their real name; however, they do not want their new work to be judged based on the success or failure of work that came before it.

Before modern times, female authors sometimes used male pen names in order to improve their chances of getting published. This was quite common in the 19th century as women were beginning to create more and more literary works; however, were usually not taken as seriously by readers.

Stage names, like pen names, are called by a few different names, including showbiz name, or screen name. Stage names are used by performers, and entertainers such as actors, musicians, and magicians.

Unlike pen names, stage names are usually picked/designed in order to replace an 'unattractive' (or unmemorable) name, so it is more of a branding/marketing choice than an artistic one. Some entertainers who share a last name with a famous family member, sometimes choose to use a stage name to step out of the shadows of their accomplished relative.

In the early decades of Hollywood, though it still happens, often actors' stage names were picked for them by managers, or the studios with which they had contracts. For example, Cary Grant was born Archibald Leach, and his stage name was picked for him by Paramount Pictures.

There are a lot of reasons why performers might choose to take on a stage name. They may want to make their name less ethnic, or easier to pronounce, or simply make it more relevant to the image which they would like to portray. Also, it doesn't hurt if it makes their name easier to remember--you've probably already forgotten what Cary Grant's real name was.

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