The Weeknd: Age, Height, Real Name, Net Worth, Girlfriend and Career

The Weeknd is the stage name of Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, a Canadian singer, songwriter and record producer born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario. Known for hits like “Blinding Lights” and “Starboy,” he is 36 years old in 2026 and stands about 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) tall.

How does a kid from Scarborough end up headlining stadiums on six continents? For The Weeknd, it started with three anonymous songs on YouTube and a voice that sounded like nothing else on the radio. Fans first met him as a mystery. Today they know him as one of the biggest touring acts on the planet.

In this profile, you’ll get the quick facts, his real name, family background, relationship status, height, net worth and a clear look at the career moves that made him a star.

The Weeknd Quick Bio / Wiki Table

The Weeknd Real Name and Stage Name Meaning

The Weeknd’s real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye. “Abel” is the name fans heard in early interviews. “Makkonen” is a family name that reflects his Ethiopian roots.

So why “The Weeknd”? He has explained that the name came from the weekend he left home as a teenager and never moved back. That small moment became his whole identity.

The spelling is a clever business choice too. He dropped the second “e” from “weekend.” That helped him avoid a clash with an existing Canadian band called The Weekend.

The name also did creative work. In 2010, he posted songs online without a face or a bio. The odd spelling and the lack of photos made people curious. Blogs and fans began hunting for clues. That mystery helped his first tracks spread fast.

Here is a twist worth knowing. Tesfaye has told Variety that he plans to retire the stage name. He revealed to Variety last year that he plans to retire the name and presumably work under his birth name. No exact date has been announced. For now, the 2026 tour still runs under The Weeknd banner. Many fans see it as the end of a long chapter.

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The Weeknd Early Life and Education

Abel Tesfaye was born in Toronto and grew up in Scarborough, a large, diverse area on the city’s east side. His family had Ethiopian roots. Money was tight, and the household ran on hard work.

He grew up hearing Amharic at home. He has said in interviews that his grandmother played a big role in his early years. Faith and Ethiopian culture were part of daily life.

School was not a good fit for him. He left high school before graduating, around age 17. He did not attend college. Reports name West Hill Collegiate Institute as his high school.

His education came from the streets of Toronto and the music he loved. He has cited Michael Jackson and Prince as major influences. Those two artists shaped his falsetto and his love of big, dramatic pop.

Leaving school was risky. Looking back, it shows how strongly he believed in his own sound. He did not wait for permission. He built a catalog first, and the industry came to him.

The Weeknd Parents and Siblings

The Weeknd’s mother is Samra Tesfaye, an Ethiopian immigrant who raised him with help from his grandmother. His father’s name is reported as Makkonen. Abel Tesfaye has said his father was largely absent from his life.

He is widely reported to be an only child. There are no publicly known siblings.

His mother worked hard to support the family. She is one of the most important people in his story. He has honored her publicly in many ways. One example is “Samra Origins,” the coffee brand he launched. Its name is a nod to her. Nespresso and The Weeknd unveiled the Samra Origins Vinyl Café in New York City, a destination that blends music and coffee.

His grandmother also helped shape him. By most accounts, she spoke Amharic and brought him to Ethiopian Orthodox church services as a child.

Beyond these basics, details about his extended family are limited. He keeps most family matters private, and so do we. We only share what has been publicly reported.

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Who Is The Weeknd Dating? Relationship Status

Abel Tesfaye is not married, and no children have been publicly reported. He is reportedly in a relationship with Simi Khadra, a DJ and entrepreneur who is half of the twin duo Simi & Haze.

The couple first drew attention in 2022. Entertainment Tonight reported that they were spotted kissing at his birthday party in Las Vegas that year. Neither has spoken at length about the relationship. They rarely do joint interviews or red carpet events together.

He has had higher-profile romances in the past. Model Bella Hadid was linked to him from about 2015 to 2019, with breaks along the way. He also dated singer Selena Gomez for several months in 2017. Both relationships are widely reported, and both are over.

Some websites still list Gomez as his current partner. That is outdated.

Because he guards his privacy, rumors about an engagement or a breakup can spread fast. Treat unconfirmed gossip with caution. If he shares news himself, we will update this section.

The Weeknd Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance

How old is The Weeknd? He was born on February 16, 1990, so he is 36 years old in October 2026. His next birthday is February 16, 2027, when he turns 37.

How tall is The Weeknd? He is commonly listed at about 5 ft 8 in (173 cm). He has not published an official measurement. That means the number comes from celebrity databases and public reports, not from his team. Stage boots and camera angles can also change how tall he looks.

What is The Weeknd’s weight? Public sources estimate about 70 kg (154 lbs). Treat that as a rough guide only.

His look has changed a lot over the years. In the House of Balloons era, he was known for tall, voluminous hair. By After Hours, fans saw a red blazer and a bandaged face. That character was part of a bigger story told in music videos and live shows. In recent years, his style has leaned toward sharp, dark outfits.

On stage, his energy makes him seem larger than any number on a spec sheet. Fans talk about his voice, not his height.

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The Weeknd Before Fame

Before the world knew The Weeknd, Abel Tesfaye was working retail and chasing music at night. He has been reported to have worked at American Apparel while writing songs.

After leaving home at 17, he spent time in Toronto with his friend La Mar Taylor, who is also named in many profiles. Money was tight. He has spoken in interviews about that rough stretch and how it shaped his dark, honest lyrics.

In 2010, he uploaded three songs to YouTube under the name The Weeknd: “What You Need,” “Loft Music” and “The Morning.” There was no face and no biography. Listeners had only the music.

Then Drake took notice. Reports say he shared the songs and later brought the young artist along. That kind of support matters in the industry. It put a stranger’s songs in front of a huge audience.

Fans often say they discovered him through those first tracks. The sound was hazy, slow and strange. It felt like a late-night secret. That feeling helped build the core fan base that still follows him today.

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The Weeknd Career

The Weeknd’s career has moved in clear eras. Each one added to the last.

Mixtape Era (2011–2012)

His breakthrough came with House of Balloons in March 2011. It was free, self-released and unlike anything on pop radio. He followed it with Thursday and Echoes of Silence. The three were later combined as the Trilogy compilation. He signed with Republic Records around this time and launched the XO label.

Pop Breakthrough (2013–2016)

His major-label debut, Kiss Land, came out in 2013. In 2015, Beauty Behind the Madness turned him into a mainstream star. Songs like “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills” and “Earned It” topped charts. “Earned It” earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Starboy followed in 2016 with a title track featuring Daft Punk. That song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The After Hours Era (2020–2022)

After Hours in 2020 was the peak. “Blinding Lights” became one of the biggest songs of the streaming age. It also showed a key industry lesson: a song with a catchy, synth-driven sound can stay on the charts for months, not weeks. In November 2020, he received no major Grammy nominations for the album. He called the awards show corrupt and said he would stop submitting his music. In February 2021, he played the Super Bowl LV halftime show. It was one of the most-watched performances of his career. He followed with Dawn FM in 2022.

Acting and Hurry Up Tomorrow (2019–2025)

He had a small role in Uncut Gems in 2019. In 2023, he co-created and starred in the HBO series The Idol, which drew a divided reception. In January 2025, he released Hurry Up Tomorrow, the closing chapter of an album trilogy that began with After Hours. A film of the same name arrived in theaters later that year, with mixed critical reception.

The Record-Breaking Tour

His After Hours Til Dawn stadium tour has become a historic run. The tour passed $1 billion in global gross, with over 7.5 million tickets sold across 153 shows, making it the highest-grossing tour ever by a male solo artist. The final show is currently listed for November 5, 2026.

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The Weeknd Social Media Presence

He is active on Instagram, X and TikTok. His handle is @theweeknd on most platforms. He has tens of millions of followers, though exact counts change daily, so check each profile for current numbers.

His feed is different from most stars. He rarely posts selfies or daily life updates. Instead, he shares teasers, short film-style clips, tour announcements and artwork. The tone feels like a movie trailer, not a diary.

That choice is not an accident. His albums are built around characters and storylines. His social posts keep that world alive. When a new era starts, fans often see it first as a cryptic post or a strange new image.

He also uses his platforms for causes. During the 2026 tour, he teamed with Global Citizen. He pledged €1 from each European ticket and £1 from each UK ticket to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and the XO Humanitarian Fund.

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The Weeknd Net Worth: How Rich Is He?

There is no single verified net worth for The Weeknd. Published estimates range widely, from roughly $300 million to about $600 million. Different outlets use different methods, so treat any one number with care.

What we can say with more confidence is how much he earns. Forbes named him the highest-paid musician of 2025 at $298 million. That total reflects touring, album success and a catalog deal. The deal with Lyric Capital involved part of his catalog and, per Forbes, left him with about $200 million after fees. Reports put the full deal value near $1 billion.

His income streams include:

• Touring (the biggest single source in recent years)
• Streaming royalties from After Hours, Starboy and more
• The 2025 catalog deal
• Brand partnerships and merchandise
• Acting and production work
• Business ventures such as Samra Origins coffee

Achievements back up the numbers. He has won four Grammy Awards (as commonly tallied) and many Billboard, American Music and Juno honors. “Blinding Lights” is also among the most-streamed songs on Spotify.

The Weeknd Legacy and Impact

The Weeknd helped reshape how modern pop and R&B sound. His mix of 1980s synths, moody lyrics and big hooks influenced a wave of newer artists. Many songs on radio today borrow from that blueprint.

Industry-wise, “Blinding Lights” changed how people talk about chart success. It showed that long-term streaming strength can matter as much as a big debut week. Labels now think more about how long a song lasts.

His live shows set another standard. Stadium tours with a cinematic story, not just a set list, became his trademark. The After Hours Til Dawn run proved there is still huge demand for big, ambitious concerts.

He also helped open doors for Ethiopian-Canadian artists on a global stage. He often talks about his roots with pride.

Not every project landed well. Critics were divided on The Idol, and Hurry Up Tomorrow the film got mixed reviews. Still, the willingness to take big swings is part of why fans trust him as an artist.

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The Weeknd Nationality and Religion

The Weeknd is Canadian by birth. He is of Ethiopian descent, and both of his parents are Ethiopian immigrants. He often calls Toronto home and has spoken warmly about Scarborough.

Reports say he was raised in the Ethiopian Orthodox faith, largely through his grandmother. Religious themes appear in some of his lyrics, including images of sin, guilt and redemption.

He has not shared much about his current personal beliefs. We will not guess. If he speaks about it openly in the future, this section will be updated.

Heritage is a clear part of his brand. Samra Origins is one example. The coffee line is tied to Ethiopia, the country where coffee culture runs deep, and to his mother’s name. It shows how personal roots can shape a business, not just a song.

The Weeknd Future Plans and Goals

What comes next for The Weeknd? Here is what is known, and what is only guesswork.

Known: The After Hours Til Dawn tour is wrapping up, with final dates in Asia. Live Nation lists Hong Kong shows in late October and Kuala Lumpur in early November 2026.

Also known: he has said he plans to retire the stage name. If that happens, he may release music as Abel Tesfaye. No timeline has been confirmed.

Speculation: fans expect more film work, possibly more acting, and new music after a break. His past pattern suggests he will alternate between albums and screen projects. That is only a reasonable guess, not a confirmed plan.

He also has business and charity work to keep up. Samra Origins is growing, and the XO Humanitarian Fund remains active.

Whatever he does next, expect another big, carefully planned era. He rarely does anything small.

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The Weeknd Songs and Albums (Notable Works)

The Weeknd Interesting Facts

• He first posted music on YouTube in 2010 without showing his face.
• His stage name drops an “e” to avoid a clash with an existing band.
• He reportedly worked at American Apparel before music took off.
• “Blinding Lights” ranks among the most-streamed songs on Spotify.
• His 2021 Super Bowl halftime show was one of the most talked-about performances of his career.
• He called the Grammys corrupt in 2020 after After Hours was shut out of the nominations.
• He co-created and starred in HBO’s The Idol.
• His mother’s name inspired his coffee line, Samra Origins.
• His tour has crossed $1 billion in global gross.
• He has said he plans to retire the “The Weeknd” name.
• Hurry Up Tomorrow wrapped his album trilogy and also became a film.
• He has donated tour proceeds to education and food-relief causes.

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Conclusion

The Weeknd turned a mysterious YouTube channel into a billion-dollar touring story. He has shaped modern R&B and pop, set records on the road, and built a business around his family roots. His next chapter may come under his real name, Abel Tesfaye, which makes this moment especially interesting.

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