Portugal, The Man

Jeff Fusco, Getty Images

It's the kind of band name that jumps out at you. Which band member is named Portugal? Or is Portugal, the country, being collectively referred to as "the man"? But the biggest question is clearly, why would a band from Wasilla, Alaska by way of Portland, Oregon name itself after a country in southern Europe?

The answer is simple: the band, being fans of musicians who have alter egos or stage personas -- David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, for example -- wanted to create an alternate identity for themselves. They chose to name this alter ego after a country because they saw countries as individuals with unique voices among the global community -- and yes, they want to make sure you know "Portugal" is indeed "The Man."