Napoleon's name was Napoleone di Buonaparte until 1773.
Napoleon Bonaparte ( [ nəˈpoʊliən_ˈboʊnəpɑrt ] [ napɔleɔ̃ bɔnapaʁt ] ; 15 August 1769 -- 5 May 1821 ) was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the French Revolutionary Wars . Napoleone . The most famous holder of the name , with whom the name became virtually synonymous , was Napoléon Bonaparte ( 1769-1821 ) , christened Napoleone di Buonaparte ( Nabulione di Buonaparte according to Corsican spelling ) .