The Stories Behind Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman's Names

TLDRMeryl Streep explains how she got her unique name, while Nicole Kidman shares the story behind her Hawaiian name Kalani. Meryl's father made up her name, and she wished to be named something else. Nicole's Hawaiian name was inspired by an elephant born at the same time as her. Sadly, the elephant passed away in the zoo. Both actresses have interesting name stories.

Key insights

🎬Meryl Streep's original name was Mary, but her father made up the name Meryl for her and she didn't like it at first.

🌺Nicole Kidman's Hawaiian name, Kalani, means 'Heavenly star', and it was given to her because she was born in Hawaii.

😊Meryl Streep's name was misspelled as Marilyn when she got her first pair of glasses, and she wished they had put a 'T' instead of a 'P' at the end.

🐘Nicole Kidman's name Kalani was inspired by a baby elephant named Kalani, who was born at the same time as her in the Honolulu Zoo.

📷Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep found a picture of Kalani the elephant online and were fascinated by the connection to their names.

Q&A

What was Meryl Streep's original name?

—Meryl Streep's original name was Mary, but her father made up the name Meryl for her.

What does Nicole Kidman's Hawaiian name Kalani mean?

—Nicole Kidman's Hawaiian name Kalani means 'Heavenly star'.

Why did Meryl Streep wish her name was spelled differently?

—When Meryl got her first pair of glasses, her name was misspelled as Marilyn, and she wished they had put a 'T' instead of a 'P' at the end.

How did Nicole Kidman get her Hawaiian name Kalani?

—Nicole Kidman's Hawaiian name Kalani was inspired by a baby elephant named Kalani who was born at the same time as her.

What inspired Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep to look up the story of Kalani the elephant?

—Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep found a picture of Kalani the elephant online and were fascinated by the connection to their names.

Timestamped Summary

00:01Meryl Streep explains how she got her name.

00:28Meryl Streep talks about her habit of trying to fit in with her family.

00:42Meryl Streep reveals her original name was Mary.

01:17Meryl Streep wanted her name to be Patty, Kathy, or Debbie.

03:19Nicole Kidman shares the story behind her Hawaiian name Kalani.

01:57Nicole Kidman corrects the interviewer about her pet name.

02:11Nicole Kidman explains the origin of her Hawaiian name Kalani.

03:40Barbara writes an email confirming the story of Kalani the elephant.

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