How Shania Twain Picked Her Performing Name

Eilleen Regina Edwards, a name not immediately familiar to many, is the woman who would become one of the most iconic figures in country music history. Before she was known globally as Shania Twain, her journey began with a series of personal changes that shaped her identity.

Born in Windsor, Ontario, Edwards's life took a turn when she was a young girl. She adopted her stepfather's last name, Twain, a decision that would later become a permanent part of her stage persona. The final piece of her new identity came when she chose the first name "Shania" to honor her stepfather's Ojibwe heritage. The name, meaning "I'm on my way" in Ojibwe, proved to be a fitting choice for a young artist on the cusp of superstardom.

The transformation from Eilleen Edwards to Shania Twain marked more than a simple name change. It was the birth of an artist whose unique blend of country and pop music would break records and captivate audiences worldwide. The new name served as a powerful symbol of the artist who would go on to sell tens of millions of albums and become a true legend.

Learn more about her and four other country music hall of famers who found success after picking new names in this video.