Emma Stone, whose birth name is Emily Stone, revealed she almost adopted a different professional moniker early in her career. During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert_ in October 2025, Stone shared she briefly used “Riley Stone” as a stage name when she was 16.
Stone decided on “Riley” for six months, complying with Screen Actors Guild rules allowing only one person per name. However, confusion ensued during a guest appearance on _Malcolm in the Middle_, where she didn’t respond to “Riley,” prompting her switch. “I had no idea who they were talking to,” she recalled, leading her to adopt “Emma” – close to her birth name Emily.
Stone has expressed a wish to be called Emily. “I would like to be Emily,” she told _The Hollywood Reporter_ in 2025 That would be so nice.” She’s flexible with nicknames but gravitates toward her original name.
Stone’s story highlights how artists often balance personal identity with professional branding, shaping their public personas.