Pseudonyme

A pseudonyme, or pseudonym, is a fictitious name adopted by a person to conceal their real identity or to create a distinct professional persona. The term derives from the Greek pseudo- meaning false and onoma meaning name; in English and French it is closely tied to the phrase nom de plume, literally “pen name.”

In literature and the arts, pseudonyms are common. They allow authors to write in different genres, reach different audiences, or avoid prejudice. Notable examples include Samuel Clemens, who published as Mark Twain; Eric Blair as George Orwell; Mary Ann Evans as George Eliot; and Charles Lutwidge Dodgson as Lewis Carroll. In music and entertainment, stage names, screen names, and band names serve similar purposes. A pseudonym can also function as branding, separating an artist’s public image from personal life or from another body of work.

Legally, a pseudonym may be used in contracts and publishing, but the person behind it generally retains rights to the work. Some jurisdictions recognize legal or trade names for official purposes, while others allow registration or use of author names for branding. In publishing, works under a pseudonym may have separate bibliographic records, and rights may be attributed to the person behind the name or to the publisher, depending on agreements.

Online, pseudonyms and usernames provide privacy and a distinct online identity. Pseudonymity refers to using a false or alternate name but does not necessarily imply complete anonymity, since identities can be disclosed under certain rules or circumstances. Pseudonyms affect credibility and accountability, influenced by platform policies and legal contexts. Common related terms include pen name, nom de plume, and stage name.