What is U2's Bono's real name?

U2 singer Bono’s real name is Paul Hewson.

His full birth name is Paul David Hewson, and he was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1960. “Bono” is his stage name, derived from Bonavox, the name of a Dublin hearing-aid shop. The Latin phrase bonavox means “good voice,” although the nickname was initially given to him by his friends.

Hewson became the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of U2, the Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1976. The group’s early lineup included guitarist and backing vocalist the Edge, bassist Adam Clayton, and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. Bono’s public identity has extended beyond music: he is also known for humanitarian activism, particularly campaigns involving global poverty, African development, and debt relief.

A frequent mix-up is treating “Bono Vox” as his full legal name. Bono Vox was an earlier form of his nickname, while Paul David Hewson is the name recorded at birth. U2’s breakthrough albums included The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby.