Cher | Source: Getty Images

‘I Was Shocked’: Cher, 78, Reveals Her Real Name After Birth Certificate Mistake

Decades into her legendary career in music, Cher uncovered a shocking revelation about her identity—one linked to the name she thought she’d always known.

Cher attends the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York on October 15, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

“I was shocked to discover that I was officially registered as Cheryl,” the singer wrote in her newly released memoir, “Cher: The Memoir, Part One.” The discovery came in the late 1970s, as she sought to legally change her name to simply “Cher.”

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Cher and Georgia Holt appear on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on April 30, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

The mix-up originated shortly after Cher’s birth in 1946. Georgia, still recovering in the hospital, hadn’t decided on a name when a nurse asked for one. Inspired by actress Lana Turner’s daughter Cheryl and her own mother, Lynda, Georgia suggested “Cherilyn.” However, the name was never recorded correctly on official documents.

Cher and her mother, Georgia Holt, picture together on January 1, 1986 | Source: Getty Images

As part of this decision, she dropped her surnames—Sarkisian, LaPiere, Bono, and Allman—to streamline her identity and establish a singular professional persona.

Cher attends the premiere of “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion” at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles on May 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Cher’s memoir offers a rare look into her personal life, with this surprising revelation highlighting the unique path she has taken to become one of the world’s most iconic stars.