Bono | Paul David Hewson

Bono, the U2 leader, and singer-songwriter are one of the rare celebrities with just one name. The pseudonym of the With Or Without You rocker has been a part of his identity since the band’s formation in the late 1970s, but how did the now 61-year-old singer – whose actual name is Paul David Hewson – come up with it?

Bono received the nickname Bono Vox while a teenager in Dublin. According to reports, Bono’s friend and collaborator Gavin Friday was the one who gave him the moniker Bono Vox, which he didn’t like at first. However, he eventually accepted it after learning its derivation from the Latin term Bonavox, which meant “excellent voice.” Bono has 22 Grammy Awards to his name and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Bono is also well-credited for his social justice work, both as a member of U2 and as an individual. He is mainly active in Africa-related campaigns, having co-founded DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign, and Product Red.