Millie Bobby Brown, the breakout star of Stranger Things, has always been in the spotlight, but this time, it’s not for a new project or a red-carpet look. The 20-year-old actress surprised fans by casually admitting that the name they’ve known her by for years isn’t entirely real.
During a chat with The Electric State costar Chris Pratt, Brown revealed that she once altered her middle name for no reason other than to have a little fun. And just like that, the internet was buzzing with reactions.
A Name Change Just for Laughs
It started during a BuzzFeed UK interview when Brown let slip that her actual middle name is Bonnie. Pratt, quick to pick up on the reveal, jokingly asked if that meant her full name was Millie Bobby Bonnie Brown.
She set the record straight. “No, it’s no Bobby,” she admitted. “It’s Millie Bonnie Brown … I’ve never told anyone that.”
Pratt, clearly amused, pressed further: “Your middle name is Bonnie? But you just changed it to Bobbie for…”
That’s when Brown dropped the unexpected truth. “S— and giggles,” she said, laughing.
Pratt, always one to roll with a joke, pointed out that she essentially created a stage name for herself. Brown agreed without hesitation. “No s—,” she added, sealing the moment with her signature humor.
Why the Change? Fans React to the News
Fans didn’t see this coming. The name “Millie Bobby Brown” has become so synonymous with the young star that many assumed it was entirely authentic. But as it turns out, Brown decided to swap “Bonnie” for “Bobby” on a whim.
Social media was flooded with reactions. Some fans joked about feeling “betrayed” while others applauded her for embracing spontaneity.
- “My whole life has been a lie,” one fan tweeted.
- “Millie Bobby Brown just casually admitting she made up her middle name is the best thing ever,” another wrote.
- “I feel like I know her even less now,” one user joked.
This isn’t the first time a celebrity has altered their name for public appeal, but it’s rare to hear one admit they did it purely for fun.
More Than Just a Name—Another Hidden Detail
If fans thought the name reveal was surprising, there was another subtle omission in the interview that added fuel to the conversation.
Brown, who tied the knot with Jake Bongiovi in May, has been hinting at taking his last name. Though she didn’t address it directly in the interview, she recently signed a post from the Stranger Things Season 5 set with just “Millie B,” leading some to believe she might be considering “Millie Bongiovi” as her new public identity.
Whether or not she follows through, it’s clear that Brown is comfortable keeping fans on their toes.
A Trend Among Stars?
Brown’s playful approach to her name puts her in good company. Many Hollywood figures have adjusted their names—some for branding, some for privacy, and some just because they felt like it.
A few notable examples:
| Celebrity Name | Real Name |
|---|---|
| Rihanna | Robyn Rihanna Fenty |
| Gigi Hadid | Jelena Noura Hadid |
| Bruno Mars | Peter Gene Hernandez |
| Lana Del Rey | Elizabeth Woolridge Grant |
While some celebrities take on entirely new monikers to shape their public persona, Brown’s situation is unique. She wasn’t reinventing herself—just tweaking things for a laugh.
What’s Next for Millie (or Should We Say, Bonnie?)
With The Electric State set to release and Stranger Things wrapping up its final season, Brown remains as busy as ever. Whether she keeps “Bobby” or leans into her real middle name, one thing’s for sure—fans will love her just the same.
For now, she seems to be enjoying the reaction to her revelation. And really, who wouldn’t change their name just for fun if they had the chance?
