5 Surprising Facts About Emma Stone’s Real Name And Why She Now Prefers ‘Emily’

For fans following Emma Stone’s meteoric rise, especially after her 2024 Oscar win for *Poor Things*, a seemingly simple question has gained new relevance: What is her real name? The answer is not "Emma," and the story behind her professional name change is a classic tale of Hollywood bureaucracy, identity, and a surprising recent shift where the actress is embracing her birth name, Emily, more than ever before. This article, updated in late 2025, dives deep into her full biography and the fascinating, multi-layered reason why she is known as Emma Stone, and why you might start hearing her called Emily.

Emma Stone: The Complete Biography and Profile

The journey from Emily Jean Stone to two-time Academy Award-winning actress Emma Stone is a testament to her talent and adaptability. Below is a detailed profile of the star, featuring the most current information available:

• Full Birth Name: Emily Jean Stone
• Stage Name: Emma Stone
• Date of Birth: November 6, 1988
• Age (as of late 2025): 37
• Place of Birth: Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
• Parents: Krista Jean Yeager (homemaker) and Jeffrey Charles Stone (founder and CEO of a general contracting company)
• Spouse: Dave McCary (m. 2020)
• Children: 1
• Early Career Breakthrough: *Superbad* (2007)
• Major Career Milestones:
  • Academy Award for Best Actress: *La La Land* (2016)
  • Academy Award for Best Actress: *Poor Things* (2024)
  • Recent Projects: *Kinds of Kindness* (2024), *Poor Things* (2023)
• Other Notable Films: *Easy A*, *The Help*, *Birdman*, *Cruella*, *The Amazing Spider-Man*

The Surprising Reason Emily Stone Was Forced to Change Her Name

The decision to adopt a stage name was not born out of a desire for a more glamorous moniker, but rather a simple, yet frustrating, logistical hurdle faced by many aspiring actors in Hollywood: the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) registration.

The SAG Conflict: When Emily Stone went to register for her SAG card—a requirement for working on union sets—she discovered that the name "Emily Stone" was already taken by another working actress. The guild strictly prohibits two members from having the exact same professional name to avoid confusion in casting, credits, and residuals.

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This reality meant that the future Oscar winner had to make an immediate, professional name change. She was only 16 at the time, having convinced her parents to let her move to Los Angeles with a PowerPoint presentation titled "Project Hollywood."

The Name She Hated: Riley Stone

In a recent interview, Emma revealed that "Emma" was not her first choice for a professional name. For about six months, she worked under the name "Riley Stone." However, she quickly realized she disliked it, telling an interviewer, "I freaked out, and I was like, 'I can't do this anymore. Just call me Emma.'" The name "Emma" was a natural pivot because it was close to her birth name, Emily, and a nickname she had been called by family and friends due to her childhood resemblance to the Spice Girls' Emma "Baby Spice" Bunton.

Ultimately, "Emma Stone" stuck, becoming the globally recognized name of one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation. The simplicity of the two-syllable first name and the familiar surname made the transition easy for the public and the industry.

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Why Emma Stone is Now Embracing Her Real Name, Emily

Despite the massive success associated with "Emma Stone," the actress has recently made it known that she prefers to be called by her given name, Emily. This is a fresh, current development that speaks to a shift in her personal identity and comfort level in Hollywood.

In multiple interviews following her recent career triumphs, including the success of *Poor Things*, Stone has expressed a gentle longing for her real name. She has stated that her friends, family, and husband, Dave McCary, all call her Emily.

A Giddy Reaction: The most telling moment came when a reporter, during a press event for *Poor Things*, referred to her as "Emily" instead of "Emma." The actress appeared visibly "giddy" and genuinely delighted by the use of her birth name. This small interaction highlighted a preference that is becoming increasingly public.

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For a star who has achieved the pinnacle of success, this subtle push to reclaim her birth name is less about changing her professional brand and more about personal authenticity. While she will undoubtedly remain "Emma Stone" in film credits and on the red carpet due to decades of established branding, she is clearly signaling that in a personal context, she is Emily Jean Stone.

The Impact of the Name Change on Her Brand

The name "Emma Stone" is now an established entity, a brand synonymous with versatile acting, from the quirky charm of *Easy A* to the complex, transformative performance in *Poor Things*. Changing her professional name now would be a massive undertaking, likely causing confusion among fans and in the industry. Therefore, while her inner circle and close colleagues may call her Emily, the name "Emma Stone" is here to stay professionally.

This dual-identity—Emily in private, Emma in public—is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a major celebrity. It underscores the separation between the personal self and the professional persona that is often necessary to navigate the intense world of Hollywood stardom. For fans, knowing the full story of Emily Jean Stone adds a deeper layer of appreciation for the woman behind the iconic roles.