If you’ve spent any time on the internet since 2016, you’ve definitely seen the name Lil Uzi Vert. They’re basically the face of that neon-tinted, emo-rap aesthetic that took over the world. But behind the diamond foreheads and the "XO Tour Llif3" lyrics, there’s a real person.
Lil Uzi Vert real name is Symere Bysil Woods.
Simple enough, right? Except nothing with Uzi is ever really that simple. From the way they actually got their stage name to the weird confusion about how old they actually are, Symere Woods is a lot more than just a rapper with a fast flow.
The Philadelphia Roots of Symere Woods
Symere was born on July 31, 1995. They grew up in the Francisville neighborhood of North Philadelphia. Philly isn't exactly a quiet place to grow up, and Uzi—or Symere, back then—wasn't really the "star student" type.
Honestly, they didn't even want to rap at first.
Woods was just a regular kid who liked skate culture and Marilyn Manson. They actually played the trumpet in school. Can you imagine Uzi in a marching band? It happened. The rap thing only started because a friend in high school, William Aston, started rapping. Symere didn't want to be left behind, so they started a group called Steaktown.
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Back then, they weren't Lil Uzi Vert. They went by Sealab Vertical.
The name change happened later, and the story is kinda legendary in rap circles. Someone on their block saw them rapping and said, "You rap fast, like a little Uzi." Add "Vert" (which Woods says stands for "Vertical," as in straight to the top), and a superstar was born.
The Mystery of the Birth Certificate
Here’s where things get weird. For years, everybody—including Uzi’s own Wikipedia page and their record label—thought they were born in 1994.
Then, in 2021, Uzi’s mom found their birth certificate.
It turns out Symere was actually born in 1995. They had been living their whole life thinking they were a year older than they actually were. Uzi literally tweeted out, "Wait wtf I’m turning 26??? My mom found my birth certificate."
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Imagine being a multi-millionaire global icon and realizing you’ve been celebrating the wrong birthday your entire adult life. It’s peak Uzi.
More Than Just a Name: Pronouns and Identity
In July 2022, fans noticed a subtle change on Instagram. Symere updated their bio to include they/them pronouns.
While some artists make a massive press tour out of an identity change, Uzi just did it. Later, in an interview with 032c magazine, they explained that there was "zero hesitation." They spent time learning about what it meant to be non-binary before making it public.
They also have a rotating list of alter egos that confuse people who only know them by their legal name. You’ve probably heard of:
- Baby Pluto (the high-energy, trap-heavy persona)
- Orenji (the melodic, orange-haired era)
- Leslie Chow (a persona they adopted in 2023, inspired by The Hangover)
It’s all part of the Symere Woods experience. They aren't just one thing. They’re a collection of different vibes and characters, all wrapped up in a 5'4" frame.
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Why People Search for "Lil Uzi Vert Real Name"
Most people look up the real name because they want to know if the "Satanic" rumors are true. There’s been a lot of internet chatter about Uzi’s name sounding like "Lucifer" if you say it fast enough.
"Lil Uzi Vert... Luc-i-fer."
Uzi has played into this imagery before with upside-down crosses and dark aesthetics, but the "machine gun" origin story is the one they’ve stuck to since day one. It’s less about secret societies and more about a guy from Philly who raps really, really fast.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re trying to keep up with Symere Woods in 2026, you’ve got to look past the headlines. Their career is built on subverting expectations.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors:
- Check the Credits: When you look at their songs on Spotify or Apple Music, look for the songwriting credits. You'll see Symere Woods listed there. It's a good way to see which tracks they had the most hand in writing versus just performing.
- Follow the Aesthetics: Uzi’s fashion is just as important as the music. If you're interested in their style, look up their work with labels like Roc Nation, which handles a lot of their management and branding.
- Verify the Age: If you’re ever in a trivia battle, remember: they are 1995-born, not 1994. That one year difference is a "true fan" marker.
The transition from Symere Woods to Lil Uzi Vert wasn't just a marketing move; it was a total reinvention. Whether they’re going by Leslie or Pluto, the person at the center of it remains one of the most unpredictable figures in modern music.
Don't expect them to settle into one identity anytime soon. That's just not how Symere operates.