From singers to sports stars and even a former president, the most famous celebrity names include the most iconic people of all time. You may be wondering what influences this list and why some stars make the most popular list and others are left out. But there is no right answer other than the most popular names go hand in hand with how famous the star is.
Moreover, people prefer some of these celebrity names when naming their own children, especially if they can make for a cool nickname. Most of the iconic names of the list belong to current stars, while others are names of famous people of contemporary history. Whatever the name origin is, these icons have made their name famous for their various accomplishments and their legacy. Here are the top 20 most famous celebrity names.
The Big List
You will likely recognize all of these names as soon as you read them, and that’s part of their allure. The celebrities whose names are on this list have made a huge impact on American culture, and most of them have unique names that adds to their distinction. Check our list of the top 20 most popular celebrity names:
20. Denzel
From famous actor Denzel Washington, this name starts the list of the most famous celebrity names. At age 64 the famous actor and star of movies such as “Fences” or “The Book of Eli” has made this name widely popular.
19. Sia
For an artist that rarely shows her face in public or during her performances, Sia takes the 19th place on the list. This name means “Victory” like the one the famous singer accomplished with her hit single “Chandelier.”
18. Usher
Made popular by the famous American singer and song writer, Usher. Just like the common word, this name literally means “doorkeeper” and it is one of the most famous musician baby names.
17. RuPaul
This name became famous after the show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” After 11 seasons, this name has become famous after the iconic and controversial host and drag performer, RuPaul Charles.
16. Kobe
From the famous basketball player “Kobe Bean Bryant” the name Kobe is widely popular. As it happens, Kobe is the fourth highest-scoring NBA player. No wonder this name is now widely popular for parents—they hope that their children can be as athletic as this famous NBA player.
15. Aretha
Some names like “Aretha” are immortalized and stay popular for a long time. This name became popular after the American singer, songwriter, pianist and civil rights activist “Aretha Franklin.”
14. Cristiano
Another athlete in the list, world class athlete and current Juventus FC, famous number 7, Cristiano Ronaldo makes it to the list of the most popular celebrity names. The player also debuted in the World Cup, which is one of the few famous soccer championships the player has yet to win.
13. Dolly
Dolly is one of the most loved names in America. This name became popular after American singer “Dolly Parton” became a star with hit songs such as “9 to 5” and “Jolene.” Not only is her name popular, but this singer has her very own amusement park named “Dollywood.”
12. Shaquille
This name became famous with retired professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal. He is considered to be one of the greatest NBA players of all time, and it’s no wonder his name has become popular across America and even the world.
11. LeBron
it seems like half of this list belongs to NBA players, right? Well, another very popular name is attributed to LeBron James, an NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers who has won five championships. Lebron’s name simply means “brown-haired one.”
The Top 10
You made it this far, and you are probably hoping to see if your favorite celebrity has made the list. Thus far, we have seen a variety of talented actors and actresses, vocalists and even athletes make the list. The second half is no different, but you can also count for an iconic president to make part of this part of the list. What is also certain is that the rest of the celebrities are most likely known anywhere around the world. Here is the second part of the list:
10. Kanye
The top 10 of the most famous celebrity names start with a name that the American rapper and record producer, Kanye West, made popular. The name “Kanye” is of African origin, and it means honor and tribute.
9. Barack
All the way from the White House, the name Barack became very popular after president Obama took office for two consecutive terms back in 2009 until 2017. He is the 44th president of the United States of America, and the first black President to take office! Mr. Obama is also the first president from Hawaii.
8. Rihanna
You may remember her from the hit movie “Ocean’s 8” or some of her popular song like “Diamonds” or “Stay.” It just so happens that Rihanna is the singer’s middle name, and it has become the perfect name for parents wanting to name their children after a famous singer.
7. Cher
Cher came back to the spotlight after her brilliant debut in the second movie “Mamma Mia 2: here we go again.” Not only does this talented singer have a prominent career of her own—she also released an album with covers of the Famous group ABBA. Unfortunately, none of the ABBA group members made the list for the most popular names, but they are still very famous!
6. Kylie and Stormi
The Kardashians and Jenner family are internet sensations and are mostly known for the fame and success from their show “Keeping up with the Kardashians.” However, the name is already popular, and became even more popular thanks to “Kylie Jenner” and her lip kit products. Just like her mom, Stormi, Kylie’s baby daughter’s name, also became very famous and set an unprecedented trend of naming babies with names such as “North” or “Rainbow.”
5. Adele
The heartbreak songwriter from England takes the top 5 of the list. With songs like “Someone Like You” and “Rolling in the Deep” the artist has broken many records for the Billboard top 200 list and won most of her Grammy nominations. Not only did she snatch the 5th spot in this list, Adele also beat Beyoncé’s album “Lemonade” taking the Grammy for best album of the year back to England with her.
4. Tupac
Tupac Amaru Shakur deservers a spot on the top 5 of the most famous celebrity names. Many people still believe the singer to still be alive, and whether that is true, Tupac is still one of the most popular celebrity names thanks to this artist’s talent and charisma.
3. Beyoncé
Do we really need to go over why Beyoncé makes the list? She is Beyoncé, and that is all she needs to make it to the top.
2. Madonna
There is probably no other artist more iconic than Madonna. Even though this name sounds like a stage name, Madonna Louise Ciccone, used her first name as the first step to launch her to fame. The name Madonna has its origins in Italy, but this artist is famous anywhere. Madonna is the fourth-best-selling music artist in the world!
1. Elvis
Elvis is one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, and it Is still very popular nowadays. He is referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply the “King.” We like to call Elvis “The King of this list” as he takes on the first spot. Elvis seems to be so loved around America and the world, that his name is arguably the most famous celebrity names.
