How many pope's have kept their real name after becoming pope, the only one i can think of is Adrian VI?

Answer 1

No Pope is obligated to change his name. This is a pious tradition (not Sacred Tradition).

The practice arose when a pagan convert to Christianity became Pope and changed his name from Mercury (after the pagan Roman god) to John II in 533 C.E.

Until then, the Popes kept their original names, from Peter (#1) to Boniface II (#55).

Between John II (#56) and Sergius IV (#142) in 1009 C.E. only a few Popes changed their names.

But since Sergius IV, it has been common practice for all Popes to change their name when elected pontiff except Adrian VI and Marcellus II.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12260a.htm

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Most of the early Popes used their own name (except Peter, who used the name Jesus gave him). Somewhere in the early Church, one Bishop of Rome had a distinctly Pagan name. He changed it, thereafter, most Popes seem to have changed their names. Sorry I can't be more specific, but I am away from my resources. I will try to Edit with more info.

Answer 3

Peter? Or do you consider a nick name a change of name.

Answer 4

You mean his last name was really "Six", like Motley Crue's bass player?