Billie Eilish's moniker may be synonymous with fame, yet this does not necessitate that she cherished it throughout her upbringing. During a recent interview conducted by an ensemble of her renowned peers, including Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, SZA, Greta Gerwig, and actor Idris Elba for British Vogue's May cover story, Eilish was posed with intriguing questions. Among these inquiries, Idris Elba wondered if Eilish had ever felt "embarrassed" by her name and queried, "Who was the first individual you encountered sharing your moniker, and how did that encounter make you feel?"
"As a child, I absolutely despised my name," confessed the artist behind the hit "Birds of a Feather." "All I ever heard was that 'Billie' was a boy's name. That's the refrain that echoed in my ears every day." Eilish recounted her frustration, longing for a name that exemplified femininity, such as Violet or Lavender, something pretty and floral.
However, the tables have turned, and now Eilish cannot fathom her identity without the moniker Billie. Her legions of fans would undoubtedly concur. "It's hilarious because there's no other name in existence that could possibly suit me better than Billie. I adore my name so much," Eilish exclaimed. "It truly is the only name that fits my personality. It feels utterly perfect for me and who I am."
The "Wildflower" crooner revealed that she was named in honor of her grandfather, William, meaning "technically, the first Billie I knew was my grandfather, albeit I never had the chance to meet him." "The first female Billie I recall encountering was Billie Piper from Doctor Who," she continued, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "I was a huge fan of Doctor Who, so I was thrilled. But at the same time, I felt a pang of jealousy and frustration, pondering, 'Why should anyone utter my name and refer to someone else? Unacceptable!'" she laughed.
Over the years, numerous other notable figures have borne the name Billie, including Billie Jean King, Billie Holiday, Billie Joe Armstrong, Billie Lourd, Billie Burke, Billie Whitelaw, and Billie Dove, adding to the rich tapestry of individuals sharing this distinctive moniker alongside Piper and Eilish.
