Why are One-Name Wonders always a Unique Name?

[AviatorTom]

We've all heard of one-hit wonders. But what about one-name wonders?

You know, the artists who are known by only one name? People like Cher, Bono, Liberace, Adele, Elvis, Madonna, Beyonce... there are countless more.

Note that they almost always have a somewhat unique name, not a common one.

So why are there no one-name wonders with a common name like Bob, Karen, or some similar name?

Wouldn't Tom be a great name for a one-name star?

[purplepoppy]

Fun fact. I live close to St Elvis. Which is just west of the Preseli hills. Elvis Preseli, Coincidence?
Elvis is a Latinised version of Eilfyw, probably not the best name for a rock star

Another fun fact. In the middle of nowhere there's a famous piece of graffiti called Elvis rock https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/wales/entries/e2d38f80-9030-3012-bd8a-20a3124bb4c1
It's been there since 1962 because no one can be arsed to clean it off.

I suspect they choose unique names simply because they are unique, they make you stand out as an individual and not just another Bob.

[CuriousMufuxka]

Actually Karen has been catching on.. Anyway it's simplistic, kinda like some movie posters only show the last name of actors because you probably already know who they are.

[NathanDavis]

Tom is already the name of the G. O. A. T.

certainly, one of a kind

[OlderAndWiser]

I rarely have any respect for a one name celebrity.

[Jaximus-Lion]

Sting, or should i say MR. Gordon Sumner.