As Bad Bunny prepares for one of the most prestigious performances in his career at the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, fans are reflecting on the origins of his iconic stage name. The moniker, which started as a light-hearted nickname, has evolved into a defining element of his artistic identity.
The artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has shared details about how the intriguing name came to be. He recalls a desire to mask his identity early in his career, saying he was initially inspired by DJ Marshmello, who is known for his distinctive helmet. During a 2023 appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Bad Bunny expressed that he never aimed to reach such levels of fame, but chose to embrace it as his journey progressed.
While the whimsical name might suggest rebellion, it carries a deeper significance rooted in his childhood. Bad Bunny revealed to E! News that the name reflects a humorous moment from his early years when he was forced to don a bunny costume for Easter at school. He reminisced, “I was so mad,” and the resulting photograph of him wearing the costume with a disgruntled expression inspired the name “Bad Bunny.”
In a previous interview with Entertainment Tonight, he reflected on the same incident, mentioning how the annoyed look in the photo led him to associate the playful yet edgy name with his burgeoning persona. He acknowledged that he crafted the name to market well, believing that a familiar image like a bunny would leave a lasting impression on listeners.
More recently, during an interview with TODAY’s Willie Geist in August 2025, Bad Bunny highlighted how the name embodies both sides of his personality: “It fit perfect on me because I could be bad, I could be good.” This contrast mirrors his music, which is characterized by its playful yet defiant spirit, often challenging societal norms and expanding the boundaries of genre.
As the Latin superstar gears up for the historic halftime show, his unique name serves as a testament to his artistic journey—a blend of innocence and defiance that resonates with fans around the world. His approach to music, playful yet vulnerable, reinforces a dynamic persona that continues to captivate audiences, making his upcoming performance not just a show but a celebration of his evolution as an artist.