People only just learning 'cute' reason behind Bruno Mars' stage name

He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time - but many people still have no idea how Bruno Mars got his iconic stage name.

Bruno Mars, actually named Peter Gene Hernandez, has sold more than 130 million records worldwide, with eight of his songs reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Despite his success, some of his loyal listeners have been left wondering how he came to be known as Bruno Mars, considering the moniker is worlds away from his real name.

One Quora user asked: "How did Bruno Mars get his name?" According to IMBd, the now 31-year-old singer was given the nickname Bruno as a toddler by his father due to his resemblance to wrestler Bruno Sammartino.

A statement reads: "You may know Bruno Mars as a mutli-talented performer and a brilliant songwriter, but do you know his real name? It's very common for celebrities to go by stage names that completely differ from the monikers they were given at birth, and Bruno is one of those stars.

"Born Peter Gene Hernandez, the 31-year-old singer landed the nickname Bruno as a toddler because he resembled famous wrestler Bruno Sammartino.

"While seeking a recording contract at the age of 17 in La, Bruno acquired the last name Mars because of the responses he would receive: 'Your last name's Hernandez, maybe you should do this Latin music, this Spanish music . . . Enrique's so hot right now.' Maybe he wanted to sound like he was from another planet?"

Since shooting into fame, Bruno Mars has received 15 Grammy Awards, including three Record of the Year wins, four Brit Awards, 11 American Music Awards, and 13 Soul Train Awards. He also holds three Guinness World Records. His most popular songs include Grenade, The Lazy Song, Just the Way You Are, Locked Out of Heaven, That's What I Like, Mirror, Nothin' on You, and 24K Magic.

Commenting on his revelation, one Reddit user joked: "Are you telling me he's not a real member of the Mars clan? Mick is going to be devastated."

Another user added: "I never considered myself a Bruno Mars fan until I coincidentally watched his first Super Bowl performance years back. My jaw dropped; even if you don't like his music there's no denying that that man has talent in spades."