What was the original birth name of the Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe?

Introduction / Context:

This question checks your knowledge of popular culture and the real names behind famous stage names. Marilyn Monroe is one of the most iconic Hollywood actresses of the twentieth century. Many celebrities adopt professional names that differ from their birth names, and this is a popular topic in quiz and general knowledge contexts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The celebrity in question is Marilyn Monroe.

• The options list four possible names, including her stage name and three alternatives.

• Only one option corresponds to the widely known original name used in general knowledge sources.

• We assume the question follows the convention that she was originally known as Norma Jean or Norma Jeane Baker before adopting her screen name.

Concept / Approach:

The main idea is factual recall about a specific detail of a famous personality's life. Marilyn Monroe became world famous under that name, but her birth and early life records refer to her as Norma Jean or Norma Jeane Baker. By associating this earlier name with the screen legend, you can choose the correct option and reject distractors that simply play with similar sounding combinations.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Biographical sources on Hollywood history consistently report that Marilyn Monroe was born as Norma Jeane and, in many quiz style references, this is given as Norma Jean Baker. Although detailed records mention surname variations, general knowledge books converge on Norma Jean Baker as the recognised earlier name. The other alternatives do not match these sources, confirming the correct option for exam purposes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

"Marilyn Monroe" is the stage name she adopted in her film career, not her original birth name.

"Dorothy Monroe" is not a name associated with Marilyn Monroe in standard biographies.

"Katherine Baker" is also not part of documented accounts of her life and appears as a constructed distractor.

Common Pitfalls:

A common mistake is to overlook the phrase "original birth name" and simply pick "Marilyn Monroe". Another pitfall is to be confused by small spelling differences in first names and to overthink minor variations. The safest approach is to remember the familiar quiz pairing: Marilyn Monroe and Norma Jean Baker.

Final Answer:

The original birth name widely associated with Marilyn Monroe in general knowledge references is Norma Jean Baker.