Miley Cyrus Changed Her Name But What’s Her Real Name?
- Miley Cyrus was born as Destiny Hope Cyrus.
- She legally changed her name to Miley Ray at 16.
- It’s hard to think of her without Hannah Montana.
Ever thought about a pop star changing their name? Well, that’s exactly what Miley Cyrus did! Most of us know her as the fun, queen of pop, but did you know that ‘Miley’ isn’t even her real name?
Cyrus wasn’t exactly a fan of her birth name. It felt way too serious for her. So, at just 16 years old, she made a bold move and legally changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus. Now that’s a name that screams star power!
Not only does it fit her vibe better, but it also honors her family, making it extra special. Curious about how she made this switch? Let’s dive into the story behind the name change.
1. What Was Miley Cyrus’s Real Name?
Let’s take a trip back to when Miley Cyrus was born. She came into the world as Destiny Hope Cyrus. Yes, you heard it right. Her parents, Tish Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus, believed she was destined for great things. They even gave her the cute nickname “Smiley” because she was always grinning as a baby.
She was done with her serious name and took a leap of faith to legally change it to Miley Ray Cyrus in 2008. The middle name “Ray” is a sweet tribute to her grandpa, Ronald Ray Cyrus, who was a well-known politician in Kentucky.
2. The Backstory of Miley Cyrus’ Birth Name
Now, let’s dig into how her parents picked such an epic name for her. Her parents were convinced Cyrus was meant for greatness. In an episode of Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, the 31-year-old explained that her name symbolizes hope. She added, “My parents thought it was my destiny to bring hope to the world.”
Speaking to Us Weekly in 2020, Billy Ray Cyrus also said that Destiny Hope perfectly captures his daughter’s special essence. He called her a “giver,” which is so true! The Flowers star has always been about sharing love and light, even when her behavior sometimes raises eyebrows.
Can we take a moment to appreciate how deep that name really is? It’s a lot for a kid, but it shows just how much her parents believed in her. And let’s be honest, Cyrus is totally living her best life! Whether she’s on stage performing or just being her authentic self, she’s always shining bright—just like her baby self.
3. Why is Miley Cyrus Called Hannah Montana?
Now let’s shift gears and talk about Cyrus’ famous alter ego: Hannah Montana. If you grew up in the 2000s, you definitely know who she is. Hannah Montana was one of Disney Channel’s biggest hits, and it launched Cyrus into super stardom.
Miley Stewart, the character, is just a regular girl living a double life as a pop star. The show captured the ups and downs of being a teenager with fame, and it resonated with so many viewers. One minute, you’re just trying to fit in at school, and the next, you’re on stage performing in front of thousands of fans.
The show allowed Cyrus to show off her musical talent while dealing with the crazy challenges of growing up. She went from being a normal teen to a huge pop star almost overnight. It’s no wonder she’s so talented—she had to balance two identities! Fans loved her for both Miley and Hannah, making it one of her most iconic roles.
Even today, it’s hard to think of Cyrus without also thinking about Hannah Montana. Cyrus’ journey from Destiny Hope to Miley Ray—and then to Hannah Montana—shows us that it’s totally possible to reinvent yourself and shine, no matter where you started.
Watch Hannah Montana on Disney+!
