mononymous

Mononymous is an adjective describing a person who is known by a single name rather than by a given name and surname. The term derives from the Greek monos, meaning “one,” and onoma, meaning “name.” It is used in onomastics, sociology, and cultural studies to refer to individuals whose public identity is expressed with a single word.

Mononymity occurs for various reasons. In some cultures, single-name forms are traditional or customary. In contemporary contexts, many public figures adopt a mononym as a stage or brand name to create a distinct, memorable public persona. Common examples include Madonna, Cher, Prince, Sting, Björk, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, though the individuals behind these names may have full legal names as well. Mononyms can also arise from religious, historical, or literary usage.

Legal and practical aspects vary by jurisdiction. Some people legally change their name to a mononym, while others are publicly known by a single name though their official records display a longer birth name. In databases, media, and formal references, the mononym may be used without the full legal name, which can affect indexing and citation.

Related concepts include mononymity itself, pseudonyms, and stage names. Mononymous identities highlight how naming conventions intersect with culture, branding, and privacy, illustrating how a single word can carry public recognition and personal identity in different contexts.