Unveiling the Dark Secrets Behind Diddy’s Ever-Changing Names—The Real Story Behind ‘Puff Daddy’

If Sean “Diddy” Combs changed his name every time the headlines caught fire, we’d need an Excel spreadsheet just to keep up . It’s almost dizzying — all these monikers swirling around, each with their own PR spin, each tucked neatly into a different chapter of a career that’s seen more reinventions than Madonna. But lately, the names aren’t what’s overshadowing the man—it’s the gnawing, ugly allegations. Seriously, who knew you could have more stage names than criminal charges? Of course, beneath the puns and the spectacle, there’s a sobering reality here—a swirling intersection of fame, trauma, and, yes, distressing accusations about domestic violence that make even the most jaded pop culture watcher pause . Maybe you’ve jammed to “Mo Money Mo Problems,” but right now, the spotlight is no longer on catchy hooks, but on questions of justice and accountability. Diddy, Puff, Brother Love, Frank Black—the aliases pile up, but the trial unfolding in New York is very real and very serious. What does it mean when a legend’s legacy starts to look like a rap sheet? Stay with me as we unpack the names—and the headlines—behind it all . LEARN MORE

Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing

As his New York trial continues, here are all the various aliases which Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has used over the years.

Combs is currently facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution, and could receive a life sentence if convicted of all three.

The 55-year-old has strongly denied all charges against him and pleaded not guilty.

As Combs’ trial continues – which has already included testimony from the likes of Cassie Ventura, Kid Cudi, and a number of the rapper’s former assistants – a number of the former hip-hop producer’s former nicknames have resurfaced online, which includes the reason behind his ‘Puff’ moniker.

Here are all the nicknames which Combs has used over the years, from the most recognisable to the previously unrevealed.

The rapper is currently on trial in New York (Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)

Puff Daddy

When Combs broke onto the music scene during the 1990’s, he was typically credited as ‘Puff Daddy’.

Typically featuring alongside fellow rapper Notorious B.I.G., Combs was credited as ‘Puff Daddy’ on songs such as ‘Mo Money Mo Problems’, and 1997 album No Way Out.

He was also credited under this stage name on Grammy-winning track ‘I’ll Be Missing You’, a collaborated with Faith Evans and 112 to commemorate the death of Notorious B.I.G.

Puffy

Before he was ‘Puff Daddy’ Combs also had brief spell going by the moniker of ‘Puffy’ during the 90s, which he is listed as on a producer credit for B.I.G.’s single ‘Hypnotise’.

Combs previously explained the reason why he earned the name during a 1997 interview with Jet Magazine, revealing that it came from his childhood temperament, as he would ‘huff and puff’ when angry.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs on stage with Notorious B.I.G. in 1994 (Nitro/Getty Images)

P. Diddy

Just after the turn of the millennium, Combs decided that a re-brand was in order and changed his stage name to P. Diddy.

Explaining where the name came from, Combs revealed that he’d been given the moniker by Notorious B.I.G before his passing in 1997. The name change also followed a series of legal troubles for Combs, leading to suggestions that his change in name was a way of breaking with the past.

“No more Puff Daddy – the first week in June, we’re going to have a name-change ceremony. I’m not doing it as serious as Prince. I just want something fresh. I’m rocking with P. Diddy just now,” he told MTV at the time (via ABC).

Diddy

In 2005, Combs made the decision to drop the P from his stage name and go with the streamlined ‘Diddy’, telling the Today show that it would be easier for fans to shout at concerts.

However, the rapper would later run into legal trouble over the name in the UK, with a lawsuit from DJ Richard ‘Diddy’ Dearlove meaning he wasn’t able to release his album Press Play under the alias.

Combs has undergone numerous name changes throughout his career (Samir Hussein/Getty Images)

Brother Love

Despite the legal complications, Combs would remain as Diddy until 2017. Announcing the change on social media, Combs told his fans that he was now to be called ‘Love, a.k.a. Brother Love’ (via The Guardian).

“I’m just not who I am before,” he said at the time. “I’m someone different. So my new name is Love AKA Brother Love.”

He later made the change official in 2021, adding it to his middle name on legal documents.

But the change didn’t last and he was back to being Diddy in 2022.

Frank Black

One of the many allegations which emerged during Combs’ trial came from his former assistant George Kaplan, who claimed he used the alter-ego ‘Frank Black’ in order to make reservations for his ‘freak-offs’.

The name was said to be a nod to Notorious B.I.G., who used the nickname ‘Frank White’.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, if you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.