We have already shared a few tips about How to come up with a great DJ Name, the dos and dont’s…, but what about the final result? If you have no idea how to create your DJ name, here are some notions on how to do it.
- Option 1: Just use your real name
- Option 2: Create a ‘shortening’ or variation of your real name
- Option 3: Create a completely new alias/stage name
Unique & Catchy DJ Name Ideas
Basically, you have 3 options when it comes to decide your DJ name:
Option 1: Just use your real name
The quickest and most obvious way is to look at your own name, maybe you have an unusual name and you can use it. This has worked out for famous DJs like Richie Hawtin, Nina Kravitz or Roni Size. If you have an unusual last name, go for it.
Option 2: Create a ‘shortening’ or variation of your real name
Another option you can try is to use the initials of your name if it is made up of several words. For example, ATB, one of the best DJs in the world, whose real name is André Tanneberger, or Kygo, wich comes from Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll.
Option 3: Create a completely new alias/stage name
If you ever had a nickname during high school, I’m sure you’ll be amused to remember it and might even use it (if it’s not too offensive). Nicknames can be a good idea for your DJ name.
For example, Joel Zimmerman, aka Deadmau5, got his name while upgrading his video card… Joel found a dead mouse inside his computer. He adopted the nickname “deadmouse” and after people started calling him “dead mouse guy”, but there was a problem… Internet chat rooms didn’t allow that many characters, so he had to shorten it to “Deadmau5”.
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What are the benefits of using a DJ alias?
The idea of using a nickname or alias is always more “commercial” and therefore it will be easier to find you on the Internet. Moreover, if you become famous, having a nickname will always help you to keep your private life somewhat apart from your professional one.
This way, you will always have an escape from your professional life (or you can always change your nickname). Daft Punk were originally part of a rock group called Darlin’. Their band had gotten a negative review in a magazine, which dismissed two of their tracks as “daft punky thrash”…, the rest is history.
DJ names Brainstorming Ideas
If you have no idea where to start, here are some ideas to create your DJ name.
- Use A DJ Name Generator: There are many, many “online DJ name generators” that can give you hundreds of names in a few seconds. It may not be what you’re looking for, but it can give you an idea of what you want.
- Use Acronyms: DJ names from acronyms give them a certain element of mystery and are easy to remember. Of course, don’t go for known ones, like “DJ KFC” or something like that…, you can use the initials of your own name or choose something completely random.
- Abbreviate, Chop, And Mix It Up: Another idea for creating your DJ name is to remove vowels or slightly change the letters in your name (e.g. KSHMR). You can do this with your own name or with words or musical references you like.
- Your Name Is Just A Number: like creating names without vowels, it is also becoming increasingly popular to use abstract DJ names as a simple sequence of numbers. Cases as 999999999, M83 or the mentioned Deadmau5 are some examples that could help you find an idea for your DJ name.
- Create Your Own Word: Perhaps the most creative way is to invent your own word, making them unique and easy to find when people search for them, like Skrillex, which doesn’t mean anything.
- Choosing A DJ Name With Musical Or Environmental Context: another good idea for a DJ name is to choose something that means something to you personally or musically. Maybe it could be a favorite book, a place from your hometown or even naming you after a lyric or song.
- Funny Or Memorable Names: In many cases it is difficult to distinguish between an original name, a funny name and a rude or offensive name. Chop Liver is funny, DJ Fart is not.