Her Journey to Becoming Wynonna Judd

Before she was a country music powerhouse, Christina Claire Ciminella embarked on a journey of personal and professional reinvention that would lead her to become the icon known as Wynonna Judd. Her story began with a pivotal name change at the age of eight, following her parents' divorce. She adopted her mother's maiden name, Judd, a change that would become a cornerstone of her identity.

By the age of twelve, Ciminella was already performing with her mother, Naomi Judd. It was then that she decided to choose a new name better suited for the stage. Her inspiration came from the classic song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66." She was captivated by the line, "Flagstaff, Arizona, don't forget Winona." The name "Wynonna" resonated with her, and she adopted a unique spelling to make it her own.

This new name, combined with her powerful voice and stage presence, would propel her to stardom. As one half of the legendary mother-daughter duo The Judds, and later as a successful solo artist, she carved out her own legacy. The world may have known her as Christina Ciminella, but she will forever be remembered as the unforgettable Wynonna Judd.

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