Meghan Markle's real name isn't actually Meghan and the internet can't handle it

We didn't see this coming.

meghan markle
(Image credit: Rex)

We didn't see this coming.

Meghan Markle is currently one of the most talked about women in the world, with her relationship with Prince Harry propelling the already well-known actress into stratospheric levels of fame.

The Californian actress is probably more closely watched than the royals right now, with boyfriend Prince Harry even stepping in last autumn, making an unprecedented move and asking for her to be given privacy.

It is strange therefore that most of us, until recently, didn't even know her first name.

It turns out that Meghan is actually the 35-year-old's middle name, with her real name being Rachel - the same as her character's name on Suits.

meghan markle

While a lot of people have expressed surprise, wondering why she would opt for a stage name, it's actually a very common choice, and upon closer inspection there is a long list of celebrity real names that we never knew existed.

Ashton Kutcher's real name is Christopher, Dita Von Teese was born Heather, Reese Witherspoon is actually called Lauran Jean, and Miley Cyrus was christened Destiny Hope.

And we still can't believe that Rihanna's real name is Robyn, Jude Law is called David, Jamie Foxx goes by Eric, or that Elle and Dakota Fanning are actually called Mary and Hannah.

So, it's safe to say that Meghan isn't alone in altering her name - in fact it is actually something that she has in common with her boyfriend, Prince Harry.

The 32-year-old royal, known always as Harry, is actually called Henry Charles Albert David, something that blew up the internet this year, despite being a fact since his birth.

If these two did get married, their wedding vows would certainly confuse the entire congregation - 'Who on earth are Rachel and Henry, and why are we at their wedding?'

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.