“Make a name for yourself” is what many Hollywood stars hear when they embark on the often tumultuous journey to stardom. Some take that literally, opting to assume a new identity and go by a stage name for professional purposes. 

Some decide to change their name altogether, like actress and singer Carmen Electra, who recently petitioned to have her name changed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. 

While some celebrities go the legal route, most just assume a new name. We take a look at some extremely popular faces that got creative with their alternate egos.

Rita Wilson 

Actress Rita Wilson’s original surname was changed when she was just a little girl. Born Margarita Ibrahimoff, to a Greek mother and Bulgarian father in Los Angeles, the actress and singer delved into her ancestry during a recent appearance on the series “Who Do You Think You Are?” 

Wilson shared that her father left Bulgaria as Hassan Halilov Ibrahimoff, only to come to America and change his name. In 1960, four years after his daughter was born, he changed his name to Allan and the family last name to Wilson.

“I just think that sounds like the most American name,” Wilson said on the show.

Rita is a derivation of Margarita.

Caroline Thayer is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Follow Caroline Thayer on Twitter at @carolinejthayer. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].