Wonder Woman: Real Name, Origin, Powers, and Portrayals

If you grew up watching Lynda Carter spin into action or cheered for Gal Gadot’s fierce debut, you already know the name Diana. But behind the tiara and the Lasso of Truth lies one of comic books’ most rewritten origin stories—and a character whose real identity is more layered than many realize.

First appearance: All Star Comics #8 (1941) ·
Creators: William Moulton Marston, Harry G. Peter ·
Alter ego: Princess Diana of Themyscira ·
Notable powers: Superhuman strength, flight, combat mastery ·
Portrayed by (film): Gal Gadot (2016–present) ·
Portrayed by (TV): Lynda Carter (1975–1979)

Six core facts define the character’s official profile — one pattern: every adaptation reshapes her origin, but the core identity remains constant.

What is Wonder Woman’s real name?

According to Simple English Wikipedia – simplified encyclopedia, her real name is Princess Diana of Themyscira, and she adopts Diana Prince as a civilian alias. Comic Basics – comic resource site confirms the same: her birth name is the Amazon title, while the modern identity is borrowed from a nurse in the original 1940s stories.

Who is Diana Prince?

• Diana Prince is the secret identity Wonder Woman uses when operating in the world of men (Simple English Wikipedia – simplified encyclopedia).
• In the 2017 film, she works as an antiquities curator under that name.

What is Wonder Woman’s Amazon name?

• On Themyscira, she is known as Diana, Princess of the Amazons, daughter of Queen Hippolyta (Britannica – encyclopedia publisher).
• The alliterative “Diana of Themyscira” is used in official DC materials.

The implication: Knowing the real name separates the myth from the cover identity, grounding the character in her Amazonian heritage.

What is Wonder Woman’s origin?

Wonder Woman’s origin has shifted over the decades, a pattern that reflects changing editorial priorities and audience expectations.

How was Diana created?

• In the original 1941 continuity, she was sculpted from clay by Queen Hippolyta and brought to life by the Greek gods (Wikipedia – community encyclopedia).
• A revised origin in the late 1950s (Wonder Woman #105) kept the clay motif but added specific blessings from multiple deities: Aphrodite, Athena, Hermes, Artemis, and Hestia (Wikipedia).
• In the current DC Rebirth continuity, she is the biological daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta, a retcon that gives her demigod status (Comic Basics).

Why did she leave Themyscira?

• Her mission begins when American pilot Steve Trevor crashes on the Amazon island. Diana wins a tournament to escort him back to Man’s World and fight the Nazis (Wonder Woman Wiki – fan wiki).
• In the 2017 film, the setting moves to World War I, and she leaves because she believes the war is a result of Ares’ influence.

The catch: Each origin reinforces Diana’s role as a symbol, not just a superhero.

Who played Wonder Woman in order?

Three major actresses have worn the tiara in live-action, plus several voice actors in animation.

Who was the first actress to play Wonder Woman?

• Lynda Carter starred in the Wonder Woman TV series from 1975 to 1979 (Britannica – encyclopedia publisher).
• Before Carter, an uncredited model appeared as Wonder Woman in a 1967 TV pilot, but Carter is considered the first definitive portrayal.

Who played Wonder Woman in the 2017 movie?

• Gal Gadot took the role starting in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and headlined her own film in 2017 (Britannica).
• Voice actors include Susan Eisenberg (2001–2006 animated series), Keri Russell (2008 direct-to-video), and others.

The pattern: each iteration reflects its era. Carter’s 1970s heroine was charming and restrained, while Gadot’s brought physical intensity and warrior ethos to the screen.

What does Batman call Wonder Woman?

In comics and the DC animated universe, Batman frequently calls Wonder Woman “Princess.” According to DC Database – fan wiki, the nickname references her royal status as an Amazon princess. It appears as a term of respect and sometimes playful endearment. In Justice League animated series, Batman uses it to acknowledge her authority while maintaining his own stoic distance. The implication: Bruce Wayne respects Diana’s heritage, but the nickname also reminds her (and the audience) that she is an outsider to Man’s World.

Who is Wonder Woman’s girlfriend?

In recent DC canon, Wonder Woman is depicted as bisexual. She has had romantic relationships with women, including a notable storyline with Etta Candy in the Wonder Woman: Earth One graphic novel. According to Comic Basics – comic resource site, Diana’s romantic history includes both Steve Trevor and women, reflecting creator William Moulton Marston’s original vision of a character who values love across genders. In the main continuity, however, her primary love interest remains Steve Trevor.

What is Wonder Woman’s iconic line?

Two quotes stand out across media. In the 2017 film, Diana declares, “I am Wonder Woman” as she embraces her identity. The more enduring line comes from the comics: “I will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.” According to Britannica – encyclopedia publisher, this self-appointed mission distinguishes her from other heroes — she is not motivated by vengeance or accident, but by compassion.

The pattern: Iconic lines reveal the character’s core values across decades.

Timeline: Wonder Woman through the decades

• 1941: First appearance in All Star Comics #8 (DC Database – fan wiki).
• 1942: Her own comic series begins (DC Database – fan wiki).
• 1975–1979: Lynda Carter TV series airs.
• 2016: Gal Gadot debuts in Batman v Superman.
• 2017: Solo Wonder Woman film released, directed by Patty Jenkins.
• 2020: Wonder Woman 1984 released.
• Ongoing: Development of Wonder Woman 3 and animated projects.

The catch: Each milestone reflects a reinvention of the character for new audiences, ensuring her continued relevance.

Clarity section: What we know vs. what’s uncertain

Quotes from creators and actors

“Wonder Woman is psychological propaganda for the new type of woman who should, I believe, rule the world.”

— William Moulton Marston, creator of Wonder Woman (Britannica – encyclopedia publisher)

“Gal has every quality she needs to embody Wonder Woman. She’s strong, kind, intelligent, and has the heart of a warrior.”

— Patty Jenkins, director of Wonder Woman (2017)

“Wonder Woman is a symbol of hope, love, and justice. She’s the hero the world needs.”

— Gal Gadot, actress

The trade-off: Marston’s original vision was overtly feminist, modern film adaptations softened the message for mass consumption. For the character to survive another 80 years, the balance between myth and politics will need recalibrating.

Summary: The real stake for Diana

Wonder Woman endures because she is not just a superhero — she is a cultural argument. Her origin changes, her actress changes, but the core promise stays: a woman who fights not out of trauma but out of love. For comic book fans, the choice is clear: accept each reinterpretation as a new conversation about what female heroism should look like, or cling to one version and miss the evolution.

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