8 Unbelievable Name Changes

While researching our recent blog post on celebrity stage names, I started thinking about the whole concept of changing your name. I’m sure everyone fantasizes about a new name at some point in their lives. When I was 8, I wished I could change my name to Veronica. I was a devoted Archie comics reader and though I was on Betty’s side, I believed that if my name were Veronica, I would lead a more exciting life (and that maybe I would be rich and have shiny black hair with blue highlights). With time, I lost interest in changing my name and nowadays I like it a lot.

But this is generally the idea, right? You have what you think is a boring name (and it’s boring because you’ve had it all your life) and you want to change it to something more exciting.

But some people’s definition of exciting is probably closer to my definition of intentionally provocative. Check out my list of 8 Unbelievable Name Changes.

I’d love a peek at their drivers licenses.

1. Meet Mr. Munch

Plumber Chris Hunt was a big fan of Monster Munch, a type of corn chip snack sold in the UK.

The former Mr. Hunt’s favorite flavor is Pickled Onion, but he is also a big fan of the roast beef flavor.

At 26 years-old, he decided to legally change his name to pay tribute to his favorite snack food. Chris Hunt is now known as Monster Munch.

He better be getting paid for this.

He is currently seeking a Mrs. Munch.

2. The name pretty much says it all.

Meet Mr. Jack Ass, a native of Hot Springs, Montana.

Whoops, I don’t actually have a photograph of Mr. Ass. It’s a really hard name to Google!

Image source: The Smoking Gun

In 2000, Mr. Ass sued MTV for trademark and copyright infringement for their show Jackass.

There is a long story behind Mr. Ass’ name change, all having to do with some charitable and worthy cause he founded. I’m not going to go into that here. Because none of that changes the fact that his legal name is Jack. Ass.

What? Come on. I didn’t say anything.

3. Insert Obvious God Complex Joke Here

In 2005, 42 year-old Jose Luis Espinal changed his name to Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ lives in New York, NY.

When asked about the reasons for the name change, Mr. Christ stated, “This was not done for any reason other than I am that person. You’re dealing with the real deal.”

Well, that makes it official, I guess.

4. Last name: Experience. First name: “The”?

In 2008, 24 year-old Ohio resident Dan Miller changed his name to “The” Dan Miller Experience. Quotation marks included.

Yes, he is a “rapper.”

5. When a Name is a Political Maneuver

In 2009, a Ukrainian man changed his name to Protyvsikh, which means “none of the above.” Mr. None of the Above then submitted himself as presidential candidate.

Finally, a politician with a sense of humor!

Meet Mr. None of the Above

6. And the grand prize for Nerdiness goes to…

…the former Tim Annan, 35, of the UK. In 2007, he legally changed his name to Jack Bauer, after the hero of his favorite television show 24.

I love TV!

7. They really did it

43 year-old Andrew Wilson of Branson, Missouri legally changed his name to They. Just They. No last name.

The former Mr. Wilson told the Associated Press, “‘They do this,’ or ‘They’re to blame for that.’ Who is this ‘they’ everyone talks about? ‘They’ accomplish such great things. Somebody had to take responsibility.”

10 bucks says he’s also one of those people who, if you ask him, “Can you pass me the salt?” will reply, “Yes, I can” and then not pass you the salt until you say, “Would you pass me the salt?”

8. So he’s a runner?

A UK 19 year-old born as George Garratt legally changed his name to Captain Fantastic Faster Than Superman Spiderman Batman Wolverine Hulk And The Flash Combined.

Okay, I have to admit, this one is kind of adorable.

With the exception of Mr. Christ, it seems all these people changed their name with purely publicity-related intentions. Ever met anyone who’d changed their name to something crazy and not read about it in the newspaper? If so, share in the comments below!