Why Calvin Harris Changed His Name When He Was 22 Years Old

Calvin Harris is one of the most successful DJs in the world, but Calvin isn't actually his real name.

The music producer grew up in Dumfries, Scotland, and over the past two decades has worked with some of the biggest artists in the game, including the likes of Rihanna, Dua Lipa and The Weeknd.

However, while most of us will know him by the name Calvin Harris, it's not always been the case.

The musician, now 37, used to be called Adam Wiles, but changed it when he was 22 as he wanted a name that would complement his 'soulful' music.

He told the Shortlist in 2009: "My first single was more of a soul track, and I thought Calvin Harris sounded a bit more racially ambiguous.

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"I thought people might not know if I was black or not. After that, I was stuck with it."

But while fans may only really recognise his stage name, he said his family and friends continued to call him Adam.

He added: "No one calls me Calvin. It's horrible and it's not my name. You might as well be calling me Mr Blobby.

"At the start of my career people were meeting me for the first time and I let it slide. It was sort of a nickname."

But if that wasn't shocking enough, there's more.

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A couple of years back, some people watching the Brit Awards were stunned to find out that Harris was, in fact, Scottish.

The hit-maker was at the awards to accept the British producer of the year gong, but people at home couldn't quite get their heads around the fact he was speaking with a Scottish accent.

Ya know, because he's Scottish.

One wrote: "What the f***, Calvin Harris is Scottish? And such a broad accent. Shook."

Another posted: "Genuinely didn't know Calvin Harris was Scottish."

A third said: "I don't think I've heard Calvin Harris speak and it's really freaked me out."

Others were aware he was Scottish, but taken aback by quite how strong an accent he actually has, with a lot of folks realising they'd never heard him speak before.

One fan said: "Never heard him speak before - was a shock to hear just a strong Scottish accent even though I knew he is from Scotland. Well done on the award."

Topics: UK News, DJ, Interesting, UK Entertainment, US Entertainment, Scotland

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

@SmithersDom