In Mahabharath, what was Bheeshma's name before he got that name ?

Question

In Mahabharath, what was Bheeshma's name before he got that name ?

Answer 1

Devavrata

Answer 2

Bheeshma's real name was "Devavrata".  He was the son of holy river Ganga and king Santanu and was the heir apparent to the throne of Hastinapur.

Bheeshma's father king Santanu fell in love with Satyavati, a fisherwoman.  But Satyavati's father would not agree to the marriage proposal unless Satyavati's own sons became king.

Devavrata took an oath of bachelorhood and decided to never marry in his life.  The Devas at once stood up in awe of this "great vow" and poured flowers onto him.

Since then, Devavrata was called "Bheeshma" which means, "one who has taken a terrible vow."