Reginald Kenneth Dwight is Elton John's actual name. On March 25, 1947, he was born. Elton John legally changed his name in 1972 because he no longer wanted to be associated with the moniker Reggie. ¹⁾

Elton's name was inspired by two members of his 1960s soul band Bluesology. The new stage name was a mix of saxophonist Elton Dean's and vocalist Long John Baldry's names. ²⁾

Elton also dropped his given middle name of Kenneth in favor of Hercules. He explained that he named himself after a character in a popular British sitcom. ³⁾