Stage name a reunited Pixies. Many performers refer to their stage name as their "professional name". In some cases, performers subsequently adopt their stage name as their legal name. For instance, the former Robert Allen Zimmerman's legal name has been Robert Dylan (Bob Dylan) since he changed it in New York City Supreme Court in August 1962. Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight but changed his name by deed poll, making Elton Hercules John his real name. When he was knighted, he became Sir Elton Hercules John rather than Sir Reginald Kenneth Dwight. Elvis Costello (born Declan MacManus), who had adopted
Reginald (given name) the Old Norse "Rögnvaldr". This name was later reinforced by the arrival of the Normans in the 11th century, in the Norman forms "Reinald" and "Reynaud". The Latin "Reginaldus" was used as a Latin form of cognate names, such as the Old Norse "Rögnvaldr", and the Gaelic "Ragnall" and "Raghnall". Another French form, "Renouard", was introduced by the Visigoths. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the alternate spelling "Renoir" also came into use. Today "Reginald" is regarded as a very formal name, and bearers generally shorten their name to "Reg" in ordinary usage. "Reggie" is a pet form of "Reg".