Stacy Conradt
The Quick 10: 10 Bizarre Name Changes
by Stacy Conradt - July 26, 2010 - 3:30 PM

q10

Most of us cringe when we hear some of the names celebrities inflict on their kids – Moxie Crimefighter, Audio Science. But what about people who do it to themselves? Check out these 10 people who weren’t satisfied with the “boring” names their parents gave them and decided to take matters into their own hands.

1. Buzz Lightyear. With Toy Story 3 recently coming out, this one almost sounds like a plant. But it’s true – a 26-year-old mechanic from England decided Buzz Lightyear was a cooler name than Steve Bolton. “My girlfriend is going to love telling people she’s going out with Buzz Lightyear,” he said. Umm… think again.

2 and 3. Bella and Edward Cullen. Proving that it’s not just tweens and teens obsessed with the sparkly vampire trend, Bev and Steve Hart of North Wales changed their names to Bella and Edward Cullen. No word if any of their four children will be changing their names to “Renesmee.”

4. John Rambo. Hey, it’s OK if the former Stephen O’Rourke strolls through town wearing a bandana and camo and doing a pretty killer Stallone impression – he is Rambo, after all. O’Rourke changed his name 20 years ago after seeing all of the action-packed Sly films. “I thought Rambo was great and we were so similar I knew I was just the real-life version of the character. The name was the only thing missing and once I changed that I really was John Rambo.” I beg to differ, but you can judge for yourself.

5. “The” Dan Miller Experience. I actually kind of love this one. Akron, Ohio, native Dan Miller, now known as “The” (with quotation marks), decided to change his name simply because he found it funny.

6. Optimus Prime. I suspect there are a lot of men out there who secretly would like to change their names to Optimus Prime, but Ohioan Scott Nall actually did it as a 30th birthday present to himself. I wonder if the name would help or hurt on a resume.

7. Captain Fantasic. Well, really, that’s just his first name. Optimus Prime probably feels silly that he just settled for one hero-based name. George Garratt now goes by Captain Fantastic Faster Than Superman Spiderman Batman Wolverine Hulk And The Flash Combined. I think “Mr. Combined” might be the easiest way to address him.

8. MacGyver Chewbacka Highlander. And that’s just the last half of it. The whole name is Julius Andreas Gimli Arn MacGyver Chewbacka Highlander Elessar-Jankov. Andreas Jankov was his name before. Here’s how the rest of the name breaks down: Julius is the name of a famous chimp at the Kristiansand Zoo in Norway; Arn is a Swedish movie about knights, Elessar and Gimli are from Lord of the Rings, and I assume you’re all familiar with MacGyver, Chewbacka (it’s unclear if the misspelling was intentional or not) and Highlander.

9. They. Yep, the former Andrew Wilson went completely the opposite direction. Instead of adding a string of names to his official moniker like Captain Fantastic and MacGyver Chewbacka Highlander, he decided to simplify to “They.” He said he did it to poke fun of grammar, basically, as “They” totally messes up some phrases, such as when his friends call and say “Is They there?” when someone picks up the phone. They lives in Branson, Missouri.

10. Princess-Rainbow.com. I can almost get behind Princess Rainbow, but the .com throws me a bit. Claire Forshaw of Manchester, England, said, “I actually didn’t think about it that much – I’d had a few drinks.” Really? I’m shocked.

If you could change your name with no repercussions, what silly thing would you change it to?

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Comments (82)

  1. When I was little, because I hated (and still do) my first name, I used to tell people I was Daisy. I don’t know if it came from Daisy Duke or Daisy Duck, but for about 5 years, that was my name of choice.

    Now I think I want to be Nadine :)

    posted by Jane on 7-26-2010 at 3:43 pm

  2. What!?!? You don’t think John Rambo looks exactly like Stallone? I am thinking he could totally be his next body double.

    posted by Katie Rose on 7-26-2010 at 3:46 pm

  3. I would change me name to Who just to throw off knock-knock jokes.

    posted by Robert on 7-26-2010 at 3:55 pm

  4. Being obsessed with Vikings I would change my name to Thor Hammerfist.

    posted by Josh on 7-26-2010 at 3:58 pm

  5. Max Power. Most definitely.

    posted by Jackson Hall on 7-26-2010 at 4:01 pm

  6. You’d think princess-rainbow.com would actually follow through and register the domain name. rainbow-princess.com is available, though rainbowprincess.com appears to be one of those “registered, but available for sale” sites.

    posted by Simon on 7-26-2010 at 4:02 pm

  7. Rachel Berry.

    What can I say? I’m a HUGE Gleek.

    posted by Sam on 7-26-2010 at 4:15 pm

  8. Cherry Cola…it’s just innocent enough to sound kinda dirty…

    posted by coramandragora on 7-26-2010 at 4:22 pm

  9. Gordon MacInnes. It just sounds like a cool pseudonym.

    posted by Rudekker on 7-26-2010 at 4:33 pm

  10. My husband’s aunt changed her name back in the eighties…I am almost certain it was a result of cocaine but she is now known as Queen Tiger Eye.

    posted by Angela on 7-26-2010 at 4:33 pm

  11. I had a neighbor growing up who changed her name to World Peace…..damn hippies.

    posted by Kevin on 7-26-2010 at 4:35 pm

  12. Regina Phalange. Why yes, I *did* love Friends.

    posted by Kristina on 7-26-2010 at 4:37 pm

  13. People with little or no self esteem will do whatever they need to feel better about themselves.

    posted by Perry on 7-26-2010 at 4:40 pm

  14. either Mocha Americano or Martha Jones. Love Starbucks & Dr. Who.

    posted by ro on 7-26-2010 at 4:44 pm

  15. I would change my name in Boston Dolphini-Taylor

    posted by Alessia on 7-26-2010 at 4:47 pm

  16. I used to work with a guy who’d legally had his last name changed to FortyTwo–as in the answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything.

    posted by aquafortis on 7-26-2010 at 4:48 pm

  17. I think I’d go with a Street Fighter reference.

    Hi, my name is “Tiger Uppercut”. How can I assist you?

    posted by mcoff on 7-26-2010 at 4:50 pm

  18. I’m going to reveal my inner geek here … I would change mine to Mara Jade, who is the coolest character ever created in ALL of the Star Wars novels.

    posted by Louise on 7-26-2010 at 4:51 pm

  19. When I got divorced, I had to do a legal name change to go back to my maiden name (Walker).

    I seriously contemplated changing my middle name to Sky(e).

    posted by Lyndsay Walker on 7-26-2010 at 4:55 pm

  20. I would be willing to bet that Dan Miller’s inspiration for his new name (since he lives in Ohio) is from his state’s university, which is formally titled “The Ohio State University”.

    It’s a running gag for alumni of the school to emphasize the article “The” when saying the school’s name.

    posted by Gordon Daily on 7-26-2010 at 5:03 pm

  21. I always thought it would be funny to change my middle name to Always.

    posted by Valarie Wright on 7-26-2010 at 5:04 pm

  22. Admiral Jason Spiritfingers…checked into a hotel once under this one claimed i needed the anonymity because i was in a up and coming band playing a concert. “will you be needing turndown service Mr. Spiritfingers?”

    posted by RossDOwns on 7-26-2010 at 5:15 pm

  23. When I used to work in customer service, I had a guy call in that had legally changed his name to “Supreme God”. That’s a pretty good one.

    posted by Jess on 7-26-2010 at 5:18 pm

  24. Why would I cringe when I hear an awesome name like Moxie Crimefighter or Audio Science?

    posted by Carl on 7-26-2010 at 5:24 pm

  25. My mom always thought it would be funny for the Pope to pick the name “Andurnot”. That way he could introduce himself by saying “Hi I’m Pope Andurnot” (For those who haven’t figured it out…AND YOUR NOT is the correct pronunciation of Andurnot”

    posted by Stephanie on 7-26-2010 at 5:25 pm

  26. My husband’s cousin legally changed his name to 7. I still don’t know the reasoning except maybe to get the family stirring…

    posted by Cheesy fingers on 7-26-2010 at 5:51 pm

  27. @Jackson Hall: The hacker behind consolidating the black market stolen credit card market was from Meridian ID, named Max Butler. After going to prison the first time, he changed his name to Max Power…

    posted by TFerguson74 on 7-26-2010 at 6:12 pm

  28. Max Power, that’s the man who’s name you’d love to touch,
    but you musn’t touch!
    That name sounds good in your ear, but when you say it,
    you musn’t fear.
    ‘Cause that name could be said by anyone!

    posted by Ken on 7-26-2010 at 6:32 pm

  29. Princess Consuelo Banana Hammock…I too am a “Friends” fan.

    posted by Karen on 7-26-2010 at 6:52 pm

  30. Valarie – you should add an ‘s’ on the front of that… Valarie S’always Wright. Good luck!

    posted by Brian on 7-26-2010 at 7:04 pm

  31. Crap bag. I love “Friends” as well

    posted by Kari on 7-26-2010 at 8:15 pm

  32. Although Mike Hanagain didn’t really changed he name to Crap bag that was a funny episode.

    posted by Kari on 7-26-2010 at 8:19 pm

  33. I would only change it from ‘Vicky’ to ‘Victoria’…. My parents named me after my father, Victor. But instead of putting Victoria on my birth certificate, they went with Vicky, because the name Victoria seemed too big for a little baby…. I guess they didn’t figure I’d grow up…

    posted by old hippy chick on 7-26-2010 at 9:00 pm

  34. After reading this, I’m starting to think the Icelanders and Fins have the right idea about names.

    posted by DaveP on 7-26-2010 at 9:08 pm

  35. I would change my name to Melanie Ducati :) Melanie from a tv show characters name and Ducati from the Motorcycle company :) nothing crazy!

    posted by Melanie on 7-26-2010 at 9:13 pm

  36. My son wants to change his name to Hunter Steele. I think its some cartoon character, but I think it sounds cool. As for me, I think I do have a new name, its what the kids always call me “mom canyoucomehere”.

    posted by Carol on 7-26-2010 at 9:25 pm

  37. Maximilianus Julius Flavius Nero Romulus Caedus Caesar Augustus.

    I. AM. CAESAR.

    posted by Logan on 7-26-2010 at 9:25 pm

  38. I’d go with extending it to my regular nickname…and be Mary of Doom.

    posted by Mary on 7-26-2010 at 9:28 pm

  39. Puck would be my name change. Just Puck. I’m in A Mid Summers Nights Dream right now. Guess who I am.

    posted by Carly on 7-26-2010 at 9:38 pm

  40. A friend of a friend in college allegedly changed his name to Megatron Von Chokulous

    posted by Ed on 7-26-2010 at 10:07 pm

  41. My husband swears that when he was in college he worked with a guy whose parents had allowed him to change his name to ‘Stripes’. The guy was in preschool and didn’t like being called Andrew or Steven or whatever his given name was, so his mom asked him what he wanted to be called and he said ‘Stripes’. So they had it legally changed.

    As for me, when I was in high school, if I was meeting someone I knew I would likely never see again, I introduced myself as ‘Serena’ because, IMO, there were too many Katies out there. It got awkward when I was working as a guide at a band contest and got assigned to show around the band from the neighbouring high school where I had a bunch of friends, some of whom were in the band. My nametag said ‘Serena’ so the band director kept addressing me as such and each time he did so, my friends would snicker. I ended up getting in trouble for not using the nametag I had been given by my band director. :( Thus ended my desire for a pseudonym.

    posted by Katie on 7-26-2010 at 10:08 pm

  42. My wife and I are thinking of naming our second child Malcolm Esh. It’s not absolutely unusual, but it’s funny because it sounds like Malcolm X.

    posted by P. Esh on 7-26-2010 at 11:25 pm

  43. I kinda of like Crooked Leg Dan. Sounds kind of like a rough dude yet mysterious. Yes, I can see him now, standing in the shadows becking me to his craft. Umm

    posted by Dallas on 7-26-2010 at 11:34 pm

  44. Angus Fandangus

    posted by Danielle on 7-27-2010 at 12:33 am

  45. Sarah Tonin.

    posted by Lisa on 7-27-2010 at 12:59 am

  46. I love changing my name when I go to Starbucks, it came out of my fun 6th grade teacher who always had a different name on his coffee cup the one I remember was “Pedro”, which is a large leap considering his name was Kaleb and he was as white as can be.

    My uncle,cousin, and I all have names for each other, I am known as Mathilda, my cousin is Gertrude,and my uncle is Gordon. I’ll never forget the first time I walked into Starbucks and used my assumed name of Mathilda, the barista and lady behind me both complimented me my beautiful name, I had a hard time holding in my giggles :)

    posted by Melissa on 7-27-2010 at 1:44 am

  47. In number 8, is it safe to assume that Julius is a famous chimp, rather than a famous chip?

    To be fair, I wouldn’t rule out seeing a famous chip, but I’d be curious as to the reason for its fame.

    posted by ST on 7-27-2010 at 3:03 am

  48. Busty LaRue or Chesty St.Claire

    posted by Emily on 7-27-2010 at 3:15 am

  49. Mississippi groover!

    posted by Michael on 7-27-2010 at 3:22 am

  50. My last name is Conn,so my dad always jokes that he should have named me and my siblings Ameri,Jamai,and Mexi.He thinks he’s really funny :)

    posted by N on 7-27-2010 at 3:57 am

  51. I met this girl last year: http://www.peta2.com/cutoutdissection/cutoutdissection.asp

    She had her name legally changed to Cutout Dissection.com to promote her website.

    posted by Jamie on 7-27-2010 at 7:50 am

  52. My parents gave me the nickname, Kaki, a shortened version of Catherine. I was bored with it a few years back and took a poll for new names. Some suggestions were The Kakinator, Kakilaki, Kakiliscous, and simply the Kakster. So now I go by Catherine.

    posted by Catherine on 7-27-2010 at 8:02 am

  53. I would change my name to The Zed of course. Zed, the first syllable of my last name, has been a sort of family nickname for the men in my family for about 3 generations now. When I went “on-line” in ’96 I added ‘The’ to it and have been known by that on-line ever since. Might as well make it official.

    posted by Zed on 7-27-2010 at 8:18 am

  54. If i was a woman i would change my name to Amanda Hugginkiss

    posted by JOHN THE THIRD on 7-27-2010 at 9:15 am

  55. Ken Adams…and I would like to tell you about the time I went backpacking through Spain.

    posted by CJ on 7-27-2010 at 9:46 am

  56. Do you think number 8 just shortens his name to “Dork?”

    posted by Jim on 7-27-2010 at 9:55 am

  57. I always wanted to change my name to Charity so people could give me money tax free.

    I’ve used so many fake names over the years, and here are the two best:

    #2—Roy G. Biv. When I moved from my parents to an apartment I used this name when I signed up for phone service. I knew the phone company would allow for two listings in the phone book. I said I don’t need my name in there, but my roommate wants to be listed. When asked for his name, I gave Roy G. Biv. Now my caller ID would show that name and nobody would find me in the phone book, and I didn’t have to pay for an unlisted number. It was great calling Dominos Pizza and being told, OK Mr. Biv, we’ll be there in about 20 minutes! For those that don’t know, Roy G. Biv is the colors of the rainbow from top to bottom—Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet.

    #1—Nosmo King. I signed up for many things with this name and it is the best one I’ve ever used. When anyone would look at me and ask “Nosmo?” I would just tell them it was a character in War and Peace since nobody read the whole thing and I could just say it was a minor character and everyone would believe me anyway. I signed up for Marlboro promotions and received many coupons, mailings and trash and trinkets from the company. One day they called and my dad answered the phone. They were taking a survey. My dad started laughing and told them to read the name carefully, it says “no smoking”. As he was hanging up with the caller, he heard her say with a thick southern accent, “y’all ain’t gonna believe this one.”

    posted by Wayne on 7-27-2010 at 9:56 am

  58. “Jeff”

    posted by Dr. Jones on 7-27-2010 at 10:25 am

  59. My friends were actually neighbors to a couple who named their son Optimus Prime. No joke.

    posted by Lindsey on 7-27-2010 at 10:51 am

  60. My last name is Meng. I keep teasing my wife that even if she won’t let me name our children when the time comes, I will give them their “official” nicknames. They will be Chow and Lo.

    posted by JD on 7-27-2010 at 11:08 am

  61. There is a Wayne County (Michigan) Assistant Prosecuting Attorney whose name is Luke Skywalker.

    posted by Amy on 7-27-2010 at 11:15 am

  62. My husband always calls me sweetie, and won’t call me by my first name unless he is absolutely trying to get my attention. I’d change it to sweetie to see if he’d start calling me Melissa :)

    posted by Melissa J. on 7-27-2010 at 11:16 am

  63. Was a grocery store manager named Maxwell House when I vacationed in Florida . And my cousin had a cable guy named John Cusak once , no relation but we do live in Chicago

    posted by tom on 7-27-2010 at 12:04 pm

  64. Roland Chang. I, too, am a Friends fan.

    posted by Jon on 7-27-2010 at 12:30 pm

  65. No Naughtius Maximus or Biggus Dickus?

    For shame, fellow flossers. For shame…

    posted by Anthony on 7-27-2010 at 12:40 pm

  66. Chanandler Bong!

    posted by Ms of course on 7-27-2010 at 12:50 pm

  67. Hahahaha, how many “Friends” names can we come up with?! Remember when Joey went as “Holden McGroin” to one of his auditions? LOL!

    posted by Laura on 7-27-2010 at 1:15 pm

  68. @Cheesy Fingers..

    George Costanza from Seinfeld wanted to name his child Seven, after Mickey Mantle, and Susan’s relatives stole the name from him. Guessing your husband’s cousin was a Seinfeld fan…

    posted by Caitlin on 7-27-2010 at 1:18 pm

  69. Don’t think it’s been mentioned but…

    Pro Wrestler Jim Hellwig a.k.a. the WWF(E)’s Ultimate Warrior changed his name to Warrior Warrior in an effort to keep his trademarked name. I heard the Joanie Laurer is trying to have her name changed to Chyna, or China, Doll for the same reasons.

    posted by Gouki on 7-27-2010 at 1:47 pm

  70. I considered changing my name but I just settled for internet handles…I’ve Lewen online for over 15 years. Actual name….Lou Anne

    posted by lewen on 7-27-2010 at 1:57 pm

  71. Back when I wanted to have facebook access but not a real account, I went with “Chip Stack” as an homage to my poker hobby. I’ll go with that or…

    Snake.

    posted by R.T. on 7-27-2010 at 2:18 pm

  72. My maiden name is Brink, my first name was listed as Dawn (actually should be DawnMarie). Having teachers my whole school career use Brink of Dawn to remember my name… sigh!

    But to have any name I could, there’s so many popping in my head, I guess I’d just like it if people got the one I have right!

    posted by MuthaDuckie on 7-27-2010 at 8:25 pm

  73. I am assuming this is a changed name, but there is a woman in my town named Appleseed Jesusdaughter (Not sure of the exact spelling). I have heard it from two sources who had to deal with her in an official capacity (loans and legal). Plus the sources have never met one another so I totally buy it.

    posted by Brit on 7-27-2010 at 11:23 pm

  74. @Dr. Jones
    Too crazy!

    posted by Valarie Wright on 7-28-2010 at 6:01 pm

  75. Thong after the warrior and sage that trained Ator in Cave Dwellers. I out nerd all you honkey friends fans because I am a fan of MST3K!

    posted by Theresa on 7-30-2010 at 8:35 am

  76. When my daughter was young she changed my name for me. It became ‘Mommycani’.

    posted by Ramona on 7-30-2010 at 9:16 am

  77. Fifi Trixiebelle. It’s already someone’s name, but I like it.

    posted by Emily on 8-1-2010 at 1:32 pm

  78. I really want to name my next dog “I’m Crazy” just so I can yell from my lawn, “I’m Crazy, come here! I’m Crazy, c’mon!”. I know I’d be the most popular one on my block :)

    posted by Sam on 8-1-2010 at 3:10 pm

  79. Lord Vader of Cheam
    or
    Jeff Vader
    or
    Spacefightingkaratebastard [oneword]

    posted by numbnuts on 8-2-2010 at 12:53 am

  80. My maiden name is Lott. In college, I ordered a magazine from a sorority sister and she thought it would be funny to make my name Tracey Moana Lott. Pun definitely NOT intended! I got junk mail in that name for years…

    posted by Tracey on 8-9-2010 at 1:18 pm

  81. Pete Zahut (pronounced “Zuh-hut”)

    posted by Tdave on 8-14-2010 at 10:17 am

  82. Your Awesomeness…….Just Because Im That Awesome!!!!!

    posted by *me* on 12-19-2010 at 11:11 pm

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