Moniker

Moniker is a noun that refers to a name or nickname used to identify a person. It is most often informal and commonly applies to a nickname, alias, or stage name rather than a legal given name. In everyday usage, a person may be referred to by their moniker as a familiar or public-facing identifier.

Etymology and history: The precise origin of moniker is uncertain. The term first appears in American English in the 19th century and is believed to have arisen as a colloquial or playful variant related to “name” or “nickname.” Because of its informal character, there is no single agreed-upon source language for the word.

Usage and nuances: Moniker carries a casual, sometimes humorous tone. It is suitable for journalistic or conversational contexts but is typically avoided in formal writing in favor of “name” or “nickname.” It can denote either a personal nickname or an artistic or publicly used alias, such as a performer's stage name or a writer’s pen name. For example: “The musician adopted the moniker ‘Nova’ for her recordings.”

Synonyms and related terms: nickname, alias, handle, sobriquet, appellation, stage name, pen name. The choice among these words depends on formality, specificity, and whether the reference is to a birth name, an informal nickname, or a professional alias.