Can You Correctly Spell These Tricky Celeb Names?

By: Beth Hendricks
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Correctly Spell These Tricky Celeb Names?
Image: Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore & Harald Krichel

About This Quiz

We've seen J-Lo, K-Stew and ScarJo. There's been Kimye, Brangelina and Bennifer. 

Maybe the reason we're so obsessed with abbreviating celeb names and the names of celeb couples is that some of them are so darn hard to spell. Have you ever tried texting a friend about a new Arnold Schwarzenegger movie? Forget it! What about discussing Milo Ventimiglia with your coworkers? We can't spell or pronounce that one without difficulty. And don't forget Hollywood's big Ferrell versus Farrell versus Pharell debate! Technically, they're all right, but each belongs to a different guy.

Spelling can be hard for even the best spellers among us. What purpose does the "g" in Cara Delevingne serve, except to stump us? Is it Matthew McConaughey or Matthew McConohay? Does Zoey (or is it Zooey) Deschanel have one "o" or two? Ugh, these are the things we lose sleep over at night! OK, not really, but we're trying to hype up our quiz here.

What kind of celeb speller are you? Can you spell ScarJo's complete name ... and correctly? Can you decipher if Quentin is a Tarentino or a Tarantino? Put your spelling prowess to work in this celebrity-based "spelling bee" with some of Hollywood's trickiest names. We think you'll do just Fiennes ... or is it "fine"?

Matthew McConaughey
Wiki Commons by David Torcivia
Alright, alright, alright ... do you know how to spell this A-lister's name?
Matthew McConaughey
Mathew McConahey
Matthew McConnahay
Mathew McConaughay
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Matthew McConaughey has been around Hollywood for a minute, appearing in movies like "Dazed and Confused" and "A Time to Kill." You've probably also seen him in some TV commercials that will have you questioning all of your life choices.

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Zooey Deschanel
Wiki Commons by Genevieve
One "o" or two? That's the big question in this "New Girl's" name. Which one is correct?
Zoey Daychanel
Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deshanel
Zoey Dechannel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Zooey Deschanel earned her name from a favorite book of her parents, titled "Franny and Zooey," written by J.D. Salinger. Deschanel played Jess on "New Girl" from 2011 to 2018, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

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Scarlett Johansson
Wiki Commons by Georges Biard
How many double consonants can one name have? This "Black Widow" star's moniker is a tricky one as a result. Which is correct?
Scarlet Johansen
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johannsenn
Scarlett Johandson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Scarlett Johansson was born in the United States, but her family name has Nordic roots. Her father, Karsten Olaf Johansson, hails from Denmark, and the Johansson name is popular throughout the region.

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Will Ferrell
Wiki Commons by Eva Rinaldi
This guy has been an "Anchorman," a "Step Brother," and an "Elf." Who do we know him as?
Will Farrell
WIl Ferell
Will Ferrell
Will Pharell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hollywood has a number of "Ferrells," but they don't all spell — or pronounce — their names in the same way. This guy, Will Ferrell, uses the more traditional pronunciation of "FARE-uhl."

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Barbra Streisand
CBS
You might know her as "Babs," but can you spell her real name?
Barbara Stresand
Barbra Streisand
Barbara Streisand
Barbra Strisand
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Barbra, not Barbara, Streisand has had a career spanning multiple decades, working in film and music. Some call her by her nickname, "Babs," but she's another who changed her name — by removing an "a" — when she was younger.

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Saoirse Ronan
Wiki Commons by Patrick Lovell
An Irish-American actress, she won a Golden Globe for "Lady Bird" and has been nominated for four Academy Awards. Who is she?
Sorcery Ronen
Sorsey Ronan
Saoirse Ronan
Soirse Ronnan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not only is Saoirse Ronan's name hard to spell, but it's also hard to pronounce! For the record, her first name follows a "SIR-sha" pronunciation, which rhymes with the word "inertia."

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Ellen DeGeneres
Wiki Commons by Glenn Francis
She might be voted "Most Likely to Bust a Move" on her own talk show. Who is it?
Ellen Digineris
Ellen DeGeneres
Elen Degeneress
Ellen Degenaras
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ellen DeGeneres has been dancing her way into our hearts on her syndicated talk show since 2003 and, before that, on a show that shared her name. Ellen has won nearly three dozen Emmy Awards and is known worldwide for her contributions to charitable causes.

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Milo Ventimiglia
Wiki Commons by Glenn Francis
"This Is Us" might tell you "this is how" you spell its beloved actor's name. Which is it?
MĂ©lo Ventamilia
Milo Vintamiglia
Meelo Ventamelia
Milo Ventimiglia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Milo Ventimiglia's challenging name derives from his Italian-Sicilian heritage. (See all of those vowels?) Before earning the role on NBC's "This Is Us," Ventimiglia was known for his role on "Gilmore Girls."

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Nicolas Cage
Wiki Commons by nicolas genin
He's the nephew of movie director Francis Ford Coppola, but that first name is a doozy. Which is the proper spelling?
Nickolaus Cage
Nicholas Cage
Nicolas Cage
Nikolus Cage
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a non-traditional spelling of Nicolas, we're not surprised Cage dropped the "Coppola" last name in favor of something — shall we say — easier to spell? Cage has been around the Hollywood block, starring in various films, including the "National Treasure" series.

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Courteney Cox
Wiki Commons by Albert Domasin
She'll "be there for you": How do you spell the former "Friends" actress' name?
Kourtney Cox
Cortney Cox
Courteney Cox
Courtney Cox
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Don't forget the "e"! Courteney Cox has an extra one in there that you don't typically see with most Courtneys. Of course, there's also a Kourtney out there, but she's a Kardashian.

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Charlize Theron
Wiki Commons by Fuzheado
She played notorious serial killer Aileen Wuornos (another tricky name to spell). How do you spell her real name?
Sharlise Therron
Charlese Therone
Charlize Theron
Sharliese Theron
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Charlize Theron won an Academy Award for her role as Aileen Wuornos in "Monster" in 2003. The actress is of South African and American heritage; her last name comes from Occitan, a language spoken in parts of France and Italy.

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Kaley Cuoco
Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore
Penny from "The Big Bang Theory" has a much more difficult name to spell in real life. Do you know which it is?
Callie Kuoco
Kaley Cuoco
Kelli Coco
Kalley Couco
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kaley Cuoco played Penny on "The Big Bang Theory" from 2007 to 2019, earning various awards for her portrayal of the waitress and aspiring actress. Cuoco herself has been an actress since a TV movie appearance in 1992.

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Ginnifer Goodwin
Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore
This actress changed from Snow White to Mary Margaret Blanchard in the TV series "Once Upon a Time." In real life, what did she change her name to?
Jenifer Goodwen
Genefer Godwin
Jennifer Goodwin
Ginnifer Goodwin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Once upon a time, this actress was born Jennifer Goodwin. However, the actress took it upon herself to change her name's spelling to "Ginnifer," in part to differentiate herself from all those other Jennifers out there.

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M. Night Shyamalan
Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore
It's pronounced "SHAH-ma-lan," but it's not spelled that way. Do you know which is correct?
M. Knight Shyamalan
M. Night Shyamalan
M. Night Shamalamn
M. Night Shamallon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hollywood director M. Night Shyamalan is better known by the abbreviated version of his name than his given name, Manoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan. He changed it — officially — when he was in college.

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Cara Delevingne
Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore
This model-turned-actress is noted for her roles in "Paper Towns" and "Suicide Squad." How do you spell her name?
Cara Delevingne
Cara Deleveene
Kara Delevine
Carra Delevigne
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cara Delevingne is another one of those names that seems to have more letters than it should. The model/actress pronounces her last name "Day-la-VEEN." She has appeared in campaigns for Burberry, in addition to her acting roles.

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Charlie Hunnam
Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore
The ladies love this "Sons of Anarchy" star, but can they spell his name right?
Charlie Hunnam
Charlie Humman
Charlie Hunamn
Charlie Human
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Charlie Hunnam, who was born in the United Kingdom, is a hit with the ladies — and the TV shows. He was nominated for several awards for his role on "Sons of Anarchy," which ran for seven seasons.

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Kristen Wiig
Wiki Commons by GabboT
She's been a Bridesmaid and a Ghostbuster, but can you spell her unusual name?
Kristen Wiig
Kristin Wig
Kristen Wieg
Kristin Wiig
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You may know funny lady Kristen Wiig from her work on "Saturday Night Live," but Wiig has also had a successful film career, including in the movie "Bridesmaids," which she co-wrote and starred in.

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Pharrell
Wiki Commons by Frank Schwichtenberg
You met an "Elf" in a previous question, but this singer-songwriter who shares a similar-sounding name is "Happy." Which spelling does he use?
Pharrell
Farrell
Ferrell
Pherell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Will Ferrell, meet Pharrell (pronounced fuh-REL). Pharrell Williams, a singer, songwriter and producer, has created numerous hits, including "Happy" from the "Despicable Me 2" soundtrack.

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Ralph Fiennes
Wiki Commons by Dick Thomas Johnson
He paid his "dues" as a Nazi war criminal in "Schindler's List." What is this actor's name?
Rolf Fiennes
Ralph Fennes
Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fines
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ralph Fiennes (pronounced "rafe fines") earned multiple award nominations for his role in "Schindler's List." He has a storied acting career outside of that, appearing in the "Harry Potter" and "James Bond" film series.

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Joaquin Phoenix
Wiki Commons by Harald Krichel
In an unusual move, his parents changed his last name instead of his first. Which of these is the proper spelling?
Joaquin Phenixx
Joaquine Phenix
Jaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joaquin Phoenix's parents did, in fact, name him Joaquin, but he was originally born a "Bottom." It wasn't until his parents fled from a cult that they changed the family's last name to Phoenix.

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Quvenzhané Wallis
Cinereach / Court 13 / Journeyman Pictures
In 2013, this then-nine-year-old became the youngest ever to be Academy Award-nominated for Best Actress. How do you spell her name?
Cavenzhané Wallis
Kwavenzhany Wallace
Qwavhanzhane Walles
Quvenzhané Wallis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Quvenzhané Wallis has all of the letters of the alphabet that are used infrequently in names — "Q," "V," "Z" — all in her first name! Her Academy Award nomination came for her role in "Beasts of the Southern Wild."

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Alexander Skarsgård
Wiki Commons by Thierry Sollerot
An Emmy winner for "Big Little Lies," this actor played Perry Wright in the HBO series. What is his name?
Alexander SkarsgĂĄrd
Alekzander SkarsgĂĄrd
Alexander Scarsguard
Alexander SkĂĄrsguard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alexander SkarsgĂĄrd was born in Stockholm, Sweden, which is where his interesting surname originates. He comes from a famous family, the son of another actor, Stellan SkarsgĂĄrd.

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Quentin Tarantino
Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore
He's the well-known director of interesting films like "Kill Bill" and the recent "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." Do you know how to spell his name?
Quenten Tarantino
Quentin Tarentino
Quentin Tarantino
Quntin Tarintino
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Quentin Tarantino has developed quite a reputation as a filmmaker and director for his unconventional style of storytelling. Other films to his credit include "The Hateful Eight" and "Inglourious Basterds."

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Gabourey Sidibe
Wiki Commons by Dominick D
We first met her as "Precious," but that's not her name. How do you spell her real name?
Gabourney Sidibe
Gabourey Sidibe
Gaborie Sadibe
Garouey Sidabe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

So many vowels! Gabourey Sidibe has at least one of each in her interesting name, which originates from the Senegalese language. Her father, Ibnou Sidibe, is from Senegal, while her mother is American.

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Mariska Hargitay
Wiki Commons by Joella Marano
Her famous mother, Jayne Mansfield, also had an unusually spelled name. Which of these is the correct version of the "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" star's name?
Mariska Hargitay
Marissa Hartigay
Marishka Hargitey
Mariska Hargity
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We get it — you probably don't know who Jayne Mansfield was. Other than being Mariska Hargitay's mother, she was a celebrity in her own right as one of the first Playboy Playmates, a singer and an actress.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger
Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore
Can you spell this action star's name?
Arnold Schwazanager
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnald Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwartzanayger
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Arnold Schwarzenegger has one of the more challenging spellings and pronunciations in all of Hollywood, but that doesn't appear to have impacted his career. He has been a successful film star and even governor of his adopted state of California.

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Idris Elba
Wiki Commons by Harald Krichel
"I" before "E" or nah? Can you spell this multitalented superstar's name?
Idris Elba
Edris Alba
Idres Ilba
Idris Alba
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

He's been People's "Sexiest Man Alive," but we might have to vote him one of the hardest names to spell. We can never get it right! Which vowel does his first name start with? Which one begins his last name? So confusing!

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Taraji P. Henson
Wiki Commons by NASA / Bill Ingalls
Don't mess with Cookie, but don't mess with this actress who portrays her on "Empire," either. How is her name spelled?
Taraje P. Hinson
Terahji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson
Turaji P. Hennson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Taraji P. (the "P." is for Penda) Henson first starred as Cookie on the TV series "Empire" in 2015. We love her sassy personality on the hit show, but truth be told, Taraji carries that personality with her everywhere she goes!

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Martin Scorsese
Wiki Commons by David Shankbone
"Taxi Driver," "Cape Fear" and "Goodfellas" have this influential director in common. How do you spell his name?
Martin Scorseyse
Martin Scoresayse
Martin Scorsaze
Martin Scorsese
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Martin Scorsese is, simply put, Hollywood royalty. He's the director of many successful films, including the ones mentioned in the question, as well as "Raging Bull," "Casino" and "The Irishman."

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Julianne Hough
Wiki Commons by Greg2600
This dancer has a famous brother who shares her last name. How do you spell it?
Julianne Hough
Julienne Huff
Juliane Houff
Julianne Hufe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Julianne Hough and her brother, Derek Hough, have both appeared on the televised dancing competition "Dancing With the Stars." Both have also pursued careers in singing and acting, in addition to dance.

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Amanda Seyfried
Wiki Commons by Glenn Francis
She first appeared on soap operas in the early 2000s, but you may know her best from "Mean Girls" memes. What is her name?
Amanda Seyfriend
Amanda Sayfreide
Amanda Sigfried
Amanda Seyfried
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though she had early acting jobs on daytime soap operas, Amanda Seyfried didn't make her official film debut until 2004's "Mean Girls." Checked your meme collection yet? You'll find her there in spades.

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Dan Aykroyd
Wiki Commons by Rnunezart
He was a "Blues Brother" who cofounded House of Blues. How do you spell his name?
Dan Aykroyd
Dan Akyroyd
Dan Akroid
Dan Akroyd
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dan Aykroyd got his start in acting, but that wasn't enough for him. He created the Blues Brothers as part of a skit on "Saturday Night Live," turning it into an actual band, a movie and then a business, cofounding House of Blues.

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Zach Galifianakis
Wiki Commons by CleftClips
It's all Greek to us! Can you spell the name of this actor from "The Hangover" and "Due Date"?
Zack Galifinakis
Zach Galifianakis
Zach Galefenakes
Zack Galifinakiss
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As a tyke, Zach Galifianakis probably took a while to learn how to spell his name. To help the rest of us learn, Stephen Colbert and Z. G. created a song on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."

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Kristin Cavallari
Wiki Commons by Nick Step
This reality TV star is "Very _________." Can you fill in the blank and spell her name?
Kristen Callavari
Kristin Cavallari
Kristin Cavalleri
Kristen Cavilari
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Coming to fame in the reality show "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County," Kristin Cavallari has continued with her reality roots. These days, she stars alongside her former NFL player husband Jay Cutler in "Very Cavallari."

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Chiwetel Ejiofor
Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore
He was the voice behind Scar in 2019's "The Lion King." Which of these is the proper spelling of his name?
Chawetel Okofor
Chewettel Egofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ecofore
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

British-Nigerian actor Chiwetel Ejiofor was a part of the 2019 blockbuster remake of "The Lion King," alongside Beyoncé and Donald Glover. Ejiofor was award-nominated for his role in "12 Years a Slave."

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Wiki Commons by Gage Skidmore & Harald Krichel