You’ve probably screamed his name at a festival or seen it plastered across a pair of $1,000 Nikes. But Jacques Bermon Webster II doesn't exactly have the same "mosh pit" ring to it as Travis Scott.
If you're wondering why the Houston rapper ditched his birth name for a stage moniker that sounds like a suburban teenager, you aren't alone. It’s a question that pops up every time he does a big interview or lands in the news. Honestly, the story is way more personal than just a marketing team picking names out of a hat.
Jacques Bermon Webster II: Where the Name Comes From
Born on April 30, 1991, in Houston, Texas, Jacques was named after his father, Jacques Webster Sr. It’s a family legacy thing. His dad was a soul musician, and his grandfather was a jazz composer. The "Webster" name carries a lot of weight in the Houston music scene, even if it wasn't in the mainstream rap world.
Growing up, he lived with his grandmother in South Park, a rougher part of Houston, before moving to the middle-class suburbs of Missouri City. He’s often talked about how that duality—the "hood" and the "burbs"—gave him the "edge" that defines his music today. But while he respects his roots, Jacques Bermon Webster II wasn't the identity he wanted for the stage.
Why Did He Choose Travis Scott?
Most people assume "Travis Scott" is just a random, cool-sounding name. It’s actually a mashup of two of his biggest heroes.
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The "Travis" Part
The first half of his name is a direct tribute to his favorite uncle. In a 2014 interview, he basically said his uncle Travis was the coolest guy he knew. The man had "swag," played golf, made smart business moves, and just lived life the right way. For a young Jacques, Uncle Travis was the blueprint for what a successful, "cool" man looked like.
The "Scott" Part
The second half is a massive nod to Kid Cudi. Cudi’s real name is Scott Mescudi. If you’ve listened to any of Travis's early work, you can hear the Cudi influence—the humming, the dark atmosphere, the vulnerability. Travis has gone on record calling Cudi one of his "superheroes."
Interestingly, his uncle’s friends also called the uncle "Scott," so the name just sort of fit together perfectly. It was a weird coincidence that bonded his family life with his musical aspirations.
Does He Still Use His Real Name?
He hasn't totally ghosted the Webster name. If you look at his business deals or legal documents, it’s always Jacques Bermon Webster II.
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- His Kids: His daughter, Stormi, and his son, Aire, both carry the last name Webster.
- Business: His legal entities and contracts are often under his birth name.
- Personal Life: To his family and close childhood friends from Mo City, he’s still Jacques.
There was even a funny moment during his 2018 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon where he had to explain the whole "fake name" thing. Fallon was joking about how "Scott" is Cudi's real first name, and Travis just leaned into it, laughing about how he basically "stole" his superhero's name.
The Evolution of the Brand
Earlier in his career, he went by Travi$ Scott (with the dollar sign). It was very much a product of the 2012-2013 era of rap. Eventually, as he moved from the "owl pharaoh" era into the Rodeo and Astroworld years, he dropped the symbol for a cleaner look.
By the time Utopia dropped in 2023, and heading into his rumored 2026 project Mirage, the name "Travis Scott" has become more than a name—it’s a global conglomerate. Whether it’s his Cactus Jack foundation or his massive collaborations with McDonald's and Jordan Brand, the Jacques Webster side of things stays in the boardroom, while Travis Scott stays on the stage.
What This Means for Fans
Understanding the name Jacques Bermon Webster II actually gives you a better window into his music. He’s a guy who grew up watching his dad and grandfather struggle in the music business, which is probably why he’s so obsessed with control and "the vision."
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He didn't just want to be another rapper from Houston; he wanted to build a legacy that combined the business savvy of his uncle and the creative weirdness of Kid Cudi.
Next Steps for the Raging Fan:
- Check the liner notes on Rodeo or Astroworld. You’ll see "J. Webster" credited on almost every track.
- Look up his father’s soul music history—it explains a lot about the drum patterns Travis uses.
- If you’re ever at a Cactus Jack pop-up, remember that the "Jack" in the name isn't just for "Jacques"—it’s a brand he built from the ground up to keep his real identity and his superstar persona separate.
The name change wasn't about hiding. It was about choosing who he wanted to become.