Will Smith fans were left stunned after wife Jada called him by his real name in birthday post

Many might be surprised to learn that Will Smith isn't actually called Will Smith.

The actor shot to fame on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in the 1990s and quickly became a household name after ditching TV for movies.

Smith has since starred the likes of I Am Legend, Focus, Gemini Man and King Richard (to name a few), and as always been known by and referred to as 'Will' by friends and fans.

But Will isn't his real name - and it isn't short for William, either.

His real name was revealed by his sort-of-estranged wife Jada Pinkett Smith when she penned a heartfelt tribute to the star for his birthday in September.

In the sweet post to her husband, Jada shared a throwback snap of them with their children Willow, 23, Jaden, 25, and Will's son from his marriage to Sheree Zampino, 31-year-old Trey.

They were all wearing white outfits as they smiled in the cute family photo.

The Matrix star wrote in the caption: "I am so glad you were born on this day. Without you I would not have experienced the greatest joy of my life… the love of our family.

"On this Divine assignment we’ve chosen to walk together, I am grateful for the wells of laughter along the trails of tears we’ve shared.

"Thank you for helping me learn to embrace it all … with a smile. Here’s to 100+ more birthdays full of growth, acceptance and joy."

jadapinkettsmith/Instagram

And in the beginning of the caption, Jada referred to Will by his full name of Willard.

Dozens of people went on to admit in the comments that they had no idea that the actor was actually called Willard.

"I just found out today that Will Smith’s full name is Willard not William," one person posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Will Smith’s first name is Willard?!?!?!?!? Wtf…" penned another.

A third added: "Will Smith real name is Willard, lmao i didn’t know that."

jadapinkettsmith/Instagram

"Why did I think will smith's full name is William and not Willard?" someone else questioned.

Another said: "No way is Will Smith first name Willard."

And a fellow social media-user added: "I was today years old when I learned that Will Smith’s name isn’t short for William but Willard."

I'm glad it wasn't just me that had no idea.