Pharaoh was not one person’s real name; it was a title for the king of ancient Egypt. In fact, the word originally meant “great house” and was used as a royal title rather than the ruler’s formal personal name.

What people usually mean

Ancient Egyptian rulers had several names, including a birth name and a throne name. For example, Ramesses II’s birth name was Ramesses, while his throne name was Usermaatre-setepenre.

Why this gets confusing

Modern people often say “the pharaoh” as if it were a single person, but it really refers to any Egyptian king. So the “real name” depends on which pharaoh you mean.

Quick example

  • Title: pharaoh.
  • Personal name: varies by ruler.
  • Famous example: Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, Hatshepsut.

If you mean a specific pharaoh, I can tell you that ruler’s personal name and royal titles.