Why is Sean Combs called ‘P. Diddy’? Origin and meaning of the nickname

Sean Combs has had a number of stage names over the years including Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and just Diddy.

The rapper made the news once again after a video was obtained by American media outlet CNN which is believed to show the rapper and music mogul kick, shove and assault his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. You can watch the video which was released by CNN, although it includes incredibly disturbing scenes of violence, so please be advised.

Ventura’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, said: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”

Why is Sean Combs called ‘P. Diddy’?

Diddy was born Sean John Combs, and one of his childhood nicknames was “Puff”, because he would “huff and puff” when he was angry, according to Combs.

That nickname became the basis for his first stage name, Puff Daddy, which hit the limelight in 1997 when he recorded his first work as a rapper, going to number one with his debut single Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down. At that point he was already a music mogul, as the founder and head of Bad Boy Records, which he’d set up in 1993.

Change to P. Diddy

In 2001, Combs changed his stage name from Puff Daddy to P. Diddy, saying he wanted something fresh in the aftermath of being found not guilty on charges of gun possession and bribery.

“No more Puff Daddy - the first week in June, we’re going to have a name-change ceremony,” said Combs at the time. “I’m not doing it as serious as Prince. I just want something fresh. I’m rocking with P Diddy just now.”

His next album, The Saga Continues, was released under his new moniker, although he had in fact used P. Diddy as an alias on record credits for work he had done for other artists.

As to where P. Diddy came from, Combs said it was a suggestion from his friend, the late rapper Notorious BIG, who was shot and killed in 1996.

Read more: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ private Gulfstream jet tracked to Antigua

Just Diddy

In 2005, Combs decided to drop the P to become just Diddy, arguing that the letter was a barrier between him and his fans. (Curiously he remained P. Diddy in the UK, after DJ Richard “Diddy” Dearlove took legal action over the change.)

Whilst Diddy is where he’s mostly at, he does still use the Puff Daddy name, particularly in connection with projects relating to his early career.

Name change to Sean Love Combs

Whilst not a nickname, Combs has legally changed his name from Sean John Combs to Sean Love Combs.