Wait, What Is Keke Palmer’s Real Name? Fans Confused After Clip Goes Viral

Whether she goes by “Keke” or “Lauren,” she will always be regarded as one talented individual.

Keke Palmer attends the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards 2025 in West Hollywood, California. / Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Keke Palmer was the latest celebrity guest to walk down The Jennifer Hudson Show spirit tunnel, and fans were certainly here for it!

For the appearance, Palmer wore a pale pink dress with ruffles adorning the top of the garment. At the midsection of the piece was a thin belt of the same hue. The ensemble was finished in a pencil skirt design for an elegant and sophisticated final silhouette. She then paired this look with some nude heels, which elevated the sweet style even further.

And the 31-year-old actress’s ginger tresses are still a major hair moment. This time, the color looked fabulous as she pulled it back into a sleek high ponytail with curly pieces cascading all the way down her back. Her makeup was also gorgeous, done in a light glam that was simply stunning.

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In the adorable video clip, Palmer danced into frame as the crew chanted her name before she turned the hallway into her own personal runway show, strutting her stuff and smiling playfully as she went. Still, fans were a little confused by The Jennifer Hudson Show crew after they were heard referring to the actress as “Lauren,” with many viewers left wondering why.

Well, it turns out the answer to that mystery is pretty straightforward: contrary to popular belief, Palmer’s legal first name is, indeed, “Lauren.”

“I neeeevvvverrr knew Lauren was her real name😩😅,” one comment read.

“I was today years old when i found out Keke Palmers real name is IN FACT LAUREN????????????” Another added.

“Second time just as nice.... that’s Ms. Lauren Palmer,” one follower declared.

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As for the reason why the actress uses “Keke” as her professional name, she noted it was simply a family nickname that stuck, and now she can’t seem to get away from it.

“I actually don’t prefer to go by Keke instead of Lauren,” Palmer told Glamour. “Keke was my family name, and the only people who called me Keke were people in my family. And then one day, my manager at the time heard my mom call me Keke because I wasn’t listening. So she was like, ‘Keke. Keke!’ And he said, ‘That should be your stage name.’”

She concluded, saying, “So it went from being just something that my family called me to being something that the whole world called me. And more than anything, I would love to go back to Lauren.”

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