Why Do Billie Eilish and Finneas Have Different Last Names?

Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas are two of the biggest names in the music world right now. After first gaining public attention in 2015, the 20-year-old singer and her brother have dominated the charts and music awards. They even did a James Bond movie theme.

Table of Contents

Not bad for someone who isn’t even 21 years old…

Despite it being well known that they are brother and sister, there has been some confusion as to their relationship. As a result, many people ask, “Why do Billie Eilish and Finneas have different last names?”

While it is true that they use different surnames in the public eye, they are full siblings. Billie and her brother are the children of Maggie Baird and Patrick O’Connell.

Legally, therefore, they both have the surname O’Connell. However, Billie chose to use one of her middle names, Elish, to create her stage name Billie Eilish.

Who Are Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell?

Just in case you didn’t know, here’s a rough lowdown on this hitmaking pair of siblings.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish is a seven-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and director of her own music videos. She first gained public attention with her song “Ocean Eyes” in 2015. Then she proceeded to go on a world-dominating quest with the release of hit albums and music videos, which she directs.

Her brother, Finneas, has been her main collaborator and producer since the beginning. She is one of the most successful music artists of the 2010s, holds two Guinness world records, and has also received an academy award.

Finneas O’Connell

Finneas O’Connell is a four-time Grammy-winning producer and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his work as the producer and collaborator on his sister’s groundbreaking albums, When We Fall Asleep Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever.

He was also the producer of the academy award-winning James Bond theme, “No Time To Die.” Finneas has enjoyed some success as an actor and solo musician as well

He’s also released several singles. One of which became a Top 20 on the Billboard Alternative Charts, and one full-length studio album called, Optimist.

What is Billie Eilish’s Full name?

Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell was born on the 18th of December 2001 in Los Angeles, California, to parents Maggie Baird and Patrick O’Connell.

The name Baird is her mother’s maiden name and is one of Billie Eilish’s middle names. The name Eilish is a testament to their Irish heritage and is a variation of Elizabeth.

Her first name would have been Pirate…

A nickname her older brother Finneas had given her early on. However, her grandfather “Billie” passed away shortly before she was born. So, Billie became her first name, with Pirate taking on middle name duty.

Despite Pirate being an awesome name to have, it would be the name of Billie Eilish that became world famous.

Why Did Billie Change Her Last Name?

Billie did not change her last name. As mentioned, she is legally known as Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell. She chose to start using one of her middle names as her professional or “stage” name.

When she started touring and releasing music, she chose to go by the moniker Billie Eilish, and it stuck. However, her brother still uses the surname O’Connell professionally.

Want to Find More Great Female Singers?

Well, then, take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Female Singers, Singers That Sound Like Adele, Does Billie Eilish Have a Sister, What is Indie Music, and What Song Is This for more ways to discover amazing music.

Also, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best True Wireless Earbuds, the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, the Best Noise Isolating Earbuds, the Best Bass Earbuds, the Most Comfortable Earbuds, as well as the Best Earbuds for Running you can buy in 2023.