You know the voice. You’ve heard the laid-back drawl glide across beats from Dr. Dre to Pharrell. You’ve seen him on cooking shows with Martha Stewart, in commercials, and even as an animated animal. But let’s cut to the chase—what is Snoop Dogg’s real name? You’ve likely asked yourself that before while nodding to one of his classics.
Spoiler alert: Snoop Dogg’s real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. Surprised? Intrigued? Stick around. This isn’t just a name reveal—it’s the story of how a kid from Long Beach transformed into an international icon, redefining pop culture across music, television, and entrepreneurship.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Snoop Dogg |
| Other Known As | Snoop Doggy Dogg, Snoop Lion, DJ Snoopadelic, Uncle Snoop |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Long Beach, California, USA |
| Age | 53 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Religion | Former Christian, practiced Rastafarian briefly |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Shante Broadus (m. 1997) |
| Children | 4 (Corde, Cordell, Cori, Julian Corrie) |
| Parents | Vernell Varnado (father), Beverly Broadus (mother) |
| Education | Long Beach Polytechnic High School |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Genres | Hip hop, Funk, Reggae, R&B |
| Record Labels | Death Row, No Limit, Priority, Doggy Style, Geffen, RCA |
| Debut Album | Doggystyle (1993) |
| Notable Hits | “Gin and Juice,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Beautiful,” “Young, Wild & Free” |
| Business Ventures | Cannabis products, Snoopify app, Clothing lines, Tech investments, Record labels |
| TV & Film | Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party, Soul Plane, Training Day, The Wash, Voice work in animation |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $160 million USD |
| Notable Awards | BET Awards, MTV Awards, Billboard Awards, American Music Awards |
| Philanthropy | Snoop Youth Football League, educational initiatives, community work in Long Beach |
| Social Media | Instagram: @snoopdogg, Twitter: @SnoopDogg |
Snoop Dogg’s Real Name Revealed
So, let’s make it official—Snoop Dogg was born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971 in Long Beach, California. While today he’s known by a dozen nicknames, brand partnerships, and chart-topping monikers, it all started with that birth name.
Now here’s where it gets interesting: the name “Snoop” wasn’t something cooked up in a studio. It came from a very personal place—his own mother. As a child, Calvin had a noticeable resemblance to the beloved cartoon dog Snoopy from Peanuts. His mom affectionately started calling him “Snoopy,” and the name stuck—evolving into “Snoop” and eventually becoming his identity in the rap game.
That’s right. The nickname that defined West Coast hip-hop royalty came from a cartoon dog and a mother’s love.
Why the Name “Snoop Dogg” Stuck
Names in the rap world aren’t just labels—they’re identities, legacies, and sometimes, shields. For Calvin Broadus Jr., “Snoop Dogg” wasn’t just a catchy stage name. It was a persona, a vibe, and an entry pass into the streets of hip-hop.
When he was discovered by Dr. Dre in the early ‘90s, Calvin was going by “Snoop Doggy Dogg.” His sound—lazy but calculated, streetwise but smooth—meshed perfectly with Dre’s g-funk production. Their work together on The Chronic (1992) solidified “Snoop Doggy Dogg” as a household name.
But like any good brand, simplicity wins. As the years rolled on and his style evolved, “Snoop Doggy Dogg” became simply “Snoop Dogg.” It was easier to say, easier to remember, and just as iconic.
Evolution of His Name Over Time
Snoop’s name has gone through several transformations—each one marking a shift in artistic direction or personal growth. Here’s a breakdown:
Snoop Doggy Dogg – His original moniker under Death Row Records. This was the Snoop who gave us Doggystyle (1993), one of the greatest debut albums in hip-hop history.
Snoop Dogg – Post-Death Row era, more polished, mainstream, and branding-friendly.
Snoop Lion – Yes, this happened. In 2012, Snoop went through a spiritual awakening during a trip to Jamaica. He embraced Rastafarian beliefs and adopted the name “Snoop Lion” to mark his foray into reggae music.
DJ Snoopadelic – For his time behind the DJ booth.
Uncle Snoop – A name of endearment from younger fans and artists.
Each name tells a story, and each evolution shows that Snoop isn’t afraid to take risks—musically, spiritually, and professionally.
Who Is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.?
Now let’s go back to where it all started. Before the world knew him as Snoop Dogg, he was just Calvin Broadus Jr.—a tall, lanky kid from the east side of Long Beach, California.
Born into a turbulent neighborhood, Calvin found solace in music. He played piano and sang at his local Baptist church. But the streets called, and like many young Black men in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, he found himself involved in gang activity and minor run-ins with the law.
What saved him? His voice.
His early mixtapes circulated in L.A., eventually catching the attention of Dr. Dre. That fateful introduction changed everything. Calvin Broadus, the local talent, became Snoop Doggy Dogg, the hip-hop sensation.
And while you may know the rap legend, the TV personality, or the entrepreneur, it’s Calvin—the son, the father, the man behind the fame—who built that empire.
Snoop Dogg’s Brand Identity Today
Let’s be clear—Snoop Dogg is more than just a name; it’s a global brand.
Since the 1990s, Snoop has expanded far beyond music. From acting in films like Training Day and Soul Plane to voiceovers in animated flicks, reality TV, and even hosting cooking shows with Martha Stewart—Snoop has done it all. And guess what? The name “Snoop Dogg” is at the center of every venture.
He’s also a tech investor, an entrepreneur in the cannabis industry, a philanthropist, and a beloved internet personality. Each business deal, appearance, or endorsement is carefully wrapped around the Snoop Dogg brand. It’s recognizable, reliable, and remarkably versatile.
And while the world may not chant “Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.” in stadiums, his real name is the foundation of it all.
Fun Facts About Snoop’s Names
Want to drop some trivia at your next party or quiz night? Here are a few cool facts about Snoop Dogg’s real name and aliases:
His middle name “Cordozar” is unique and rarely heard, adding a layer of individuality to his legal name.
He was once a “Lion”—literally. His brief spiritual rebirth in 2012 led him to become “Snoop Lion” and record a reggae album titled Reincarnated.
“Uncle Snoop” is what the younger generation of rappers call him—a nod to his longevity and mentorship.
His DJ persona is “DJ Snoopadelic,” where he curates nostalgic sets ranging from funk to hip-hop classics.
His mom’s nickname stuck—proving that sometimes, a parent’s instincts are brand gold.
How His Real Name Reflects His Journey
You might wonder: what does “Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.” have to do with Snoop Dogg? Actually, everything.
His real name grounds him. It’s a reminder of where he came from—a boy born into adversity who beat the odds using rhythm and rhyme. While “Snoop Dogg” allowed him to become a character, a brand, and a global figure, “Calvin” is who he is when the cameras are off and the mic is down.
Throughout his decades-long career, Snoop has always returned to themes of loyalty, family, faith, and self-expression. These values weren’t manufactured—they were part of Calvin’s upbringing. Whether he’s making you laugh in a Super Bowl commercial or delivering powerful verses in a track, it’s Calvin’s soul that fuels it all.
So next time you’re vibing to one of his classics, remember: Snoop Dogg is the performer, but Calvin is the poet.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Name
So, let’s circle back. What is Snoop Dogg’s real name? Now you know—it’s Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
But more importantly, now you know who Calvin is. He’s a music legend, a cultural icon, and a branding powerhouse. But at his core, he’s still that kid from Long Beach whose mom called him Snoopy because of a cartoon. That nickname evolved into a worldwide phenomenon—but his roots remain strong, grounded in the man behind the mic.
Snoop Dogg’s journey proves that names have power, but the person behind the name is where the real magic happens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Snoop Dogg’s full real name?
A: His full name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
Q: Why is Snoop Dogg called “Snoop”?
A: His mother nicknamed him “Snoopy” because of his resemblance to the Peanuts character. It stuck and evolved into “Snoop Dogg.”
Q: Did Snoop Dogg legally change his name to Snoop Lion?
A: No, it was a spiritual and artistic rebranding. His legal name remained Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
Q: What does the name “Cordozar” mean?
A: The exact origin is unclear, but it’s unique to Snoop’s family and gives his full name distinctiveness.
Q: Is Snoop Dogg his stage name or legal name?
A: “Snoop Dogg” is his stage name. Legally, he is still Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
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