Man Changes Name to Tyrannosaurus Rex

By Benge Nsenduluka, CP Reporter Wednesday, May 09, 2012

A Nebraska man has changed his name to Tyrannosaurus Rex Joseph Gold on Monday because it is allegedly "cooler" than his birth name.

Tyler Gold walked into a York County District Court on Monday afternoon and legally changed his name because he considers it to be more appealing, according to the News-Times.

"Also, as an entrepreneur, name recognition is important and the new name is more recognizable," Gold told the Times.

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The 23-year-old explained while on the witness stand during the court proceedings that the new moniker would promote his career.

Judge Alan Gless asked Gold if he was avoiding debt collectors or law enforcement, but he assured the judge that was not the case and said that his request was innocent.

His request was approved, and he is now legally Tyrannosaurus Rex Joseph Gold.

Tyrannosaurus Rex was one of the largest land carnivores of all time and today is a fixture in popular culture.

Unusual name changes have become increasingly popular particularly among Hollywood celebrities and renowned sports stars.

Among those stars who have also adopted unique names is former star of "The Cosby Show" Lisa Bonet who changed her name to Lilakoi Moon in the '90s.

"The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg was actually born Caryn Elaine Johnson, and changed her birth name after being inspired by a whoopee cushion.

NBA star Ron Artest is now officially known as Metta World Peace, and "Fast And The Furious" actor Vin Diesel was originally Mark Sinclair Vincent but chopped his last name to get Vin and added Diesel to honor his high energy levels.

Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mark Kirby Dupas changed his name to Mark Super Duper in 1985, and The New England Patriots' star receiver Chad Ochocinco changed his name in 2008 from Chad Johnson but recently announced that he plans on going back to his original name.