Why did Norma Jeane Mortenson change her name to Marilyn Monroe?

Answer 1

It wasn't her idea (Norma Jeane Baker Mortenson), it was her studio's (Twentieth Century-Fox); they said her last name (Mortenson) was difficult to know how to pronounce, so she settled on her grandmother's maiden name, Monroe, but that was awkward with Norma Jeane so it was suggested that she be named after a 20s Broadway star who was called Marilyn- Thus, Marilyn Monroe was born.

Answer 2

When she signed with 20th Century-Fox, studio casting executive Ben Lyon had first chosen the name Carol Lind as her stage name, although she disliked that. Eventually she chose her mother's maiden name of Monroe. Three names were drawn up as possible stage names. The first was Norma Jeane Monroe, although that sounded awkward; the second was Jean Monroe, and the third was Marilyn Monroe, the latter first name being chosen by Lyon who thought Norma Jeane resembled famed stage actress Marilyn Miller. Norma Jeane liked Jean Monroe, for it preserved some of her name, but Lyon convinced her that Marilyn Monroe sounded more alliterative and so it was chosen.

"I've never liked the name Marilyn. I've often wished that I had held out that day for Jean Monroe. But I guess it's too late to do anything about it now." - Marilyn Monroe.

Answer 3

Norma Jeane, legally changed her name to Marilyn Monroe in 1956 after using it has a stage name for several years.

Answer 4

Norma Jean Baker-Dougherty changed her name to Marilyn Munroe in 1946.

Answer 5

Hollywood Agent suggested she change her name to something more catchy.

Answer 6

Once Marilyn moved to Hollywood then and there a new name and hair color was brought.

Answer 7

She legally changed her name from Norma Jeane to Marilyn Monroe in 1956.

Answer 8

Born Norma Jeane, Marilyn Monroe legally changed her name in 1956.