We've discussed eponyms and toponyms, but what about noms de plume, stage names, and the like? Where do writers, noise makers - er - rock and roll types, actors, and so forth get their names? I can understand why Marion Morrison picked John Wayne, but who decided on Marilyn Monroe, O'Henry, etc...?

Good question, Asa. I had thought the answer would be that it's different for everyone, but I decided to go to Google. Someone asked that exact same question on a site I hadn't heard of, "Ask the Answer Bitch" (sweet name, eh?). Here is what she says. The answer does seem to vary. Some make up the stage names; others come from Shakespeare and other famous writers; some go to mentors for ideas; etc.

That Answer Bitch is a bit feisty, isn't she? Interestingly, while at Borders today I saw a book (that I didn't look at) entitled, "Why Men Marry Bitches." Sheesh!

Eminem gets his rapper name directly from his initials, MM, for Marshal Mathers.