pseudonim

A pseudonim, or pseudonym, is a fictitious name adopted by a person to conceal or modify their identity. The term derives from Greek pseudes "false" and onoma "name." It is used across cultures and is common in literature, entertainment, and online life.

People use pseudonyms to separate different kinds of work, protect privacy, avoid discrimination, or craft a particular persona. A pen name is used by writers; stage names by performers; online handles or screen names serve similar purposes in digital contexts. Pseudonyms may be legally registered or simply used informally; legal name changes may occur, or a publisher may require disclosure of real identity for contracts.

Notable examples include Samuel Clemens, who wrote as Mark Twain; Mary Ann Evans, who wrote as George Eliot; Theodor Geisel, who was Dr. Seuss; Eric Blair, who used George Orwell; Stephen King, who published as Richard Bachman; and J. K. Rowling, who published detective fiction as Robert Galbraith. Some pseudonyms are used to write in different genres, while others remain anonymous for long periods.

In many languages, the term for a pseudonym varies, and some cultures distinguish between pen names and stage names. Pseudonyms raise issues of authorship and copyright, and in some contexts real identities must be disclosed for legal or contractual reasons.