Moniker
A moniker (or "monicker") is a pseudonym, or cognomen, which one gives to oneself. The meaning is distinct from nickname, in that a nickname is generally given to one by another, and not chosen for oneself.
(as slang "moniker" can mean simply "name")
Typically, this title is used as a professional name, instead of the person's given name for works of art, music, books, or performances.
Monikers can also name groups of people, but typically the name is creative and not descriptive. Radio stations usually have monikers, such as "Dave FM", which are somewhat of a gimmick.
Monicker in Clowning
The word "monicker" (among clowns, most often 'misspelled', with a 'c') in accordance with clown tradition that some words are inherently funny (and hence to be preferred over 'unfunny' words) has been widely embraced by the "clown world" as a synonym for the terms clown name, stage name, pseudonym and professional name. One's monicker is considered by a clown to be sacrosanct by the traditional code of non-infringement. The monicker is considered by clowns to be an attribute of the character of the clown and not of the performer.
See also
