why do popes get/chose nicknames instead of using their real name?
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As already answered, the tradition started when Mercurius chose a regnal name, John, due to not wanting the leader of the Catholic Church to be named after a pagan god. The tradition has since continued, with Popes choosing their regnal names often to continue the values and work of previous popes of the same name.
It could also be said that the choice of widely recognised names makes it easier to identify Popes on a global scale, whereas it can be difficult to remember, Pope Giulio (Clement VII), Pope Albino (John Paul I), Pope Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II), etc.
It’s worth noting that John Paul I was the first pope to choose a double-name in honour of his two predecessors, John XXIII and Paul VI. He was also the first and, as of this point, the only one to style himself as “the First” (John Paul I), whereas conventionally numbering only begins from the second pope of the same name, implying that he foresaw other popes following his tradition. Pope Francis did not choose to give himself a number.
On a related note, a similar tradition applies with royal families. Royal families will more often choose a more “noble” name when ascending the throne, invoking centuries of tradition. This is particular pertinent in modern times when royals will marry commoners. So someone born as “Kate” will almost certainly be renamed as “Catherine”. Heirs may choose to name themselves after one of their ancestors – King Charles III was speculated to possibly choose George after his grandfather, though the royals also tend to have a *lot* of given names and this is more or less picking the one they want to be called (in the case of King Charles III: Charles Philip Arthur George.)
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