'I thought it was cool like Cher or Prince': Zendaya explains why she goes by one name as she smolders on Allure cover

Her full name is Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman.

But the 20-year-old goes by just Zendaya.

And in the January issue of Allure magazine, the Spider-Man: Homecoming actress explained why. 'I [dropped my last name because I] just thought it was cool, like Cher or Prince,' she said.

The Disney star - who played the role of Rocky Blue in the program Shake It Up alongside Bella Thorne - went on to discuss her 'humble beginnings.'

She divulged that everything in her life has been 'a climb' for her, and she has had to work hard to be successful, although her upbringing has made her appreciate 'everything' a lot more.

She explained, 'Everything has been a climb. And I've been able to take my family and friends with me. I came from humble beginnings. 

'I've never had a pool before,' she said, making a grand, sweeping gesture with her arm that takes in the newly planted baby palm trees and all of the unfurnished rooms inside. 

'I've never lived in a house this beautiful. I appreciate everything so much more because everything I have has been worked for.'

And Zendaya - who has been cast in the forthcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming opposite Tom Holland - revealed she doesn't want to get to a point in her career where she no longer enjoys what she does.

'I waited and waited for the right part, and now I get to be in Spider-Man. 

'It's OK to be focused, but I can't get to a point where I don't like what I'm doing. It's got to be fun and creative and good,' confessed the actress. 

The star went on to reveal that she wants to 'impress' people with her acting skills and her achievements.

'I want people to be impressed,' she told the magazine.