Background:

After looking at an airline that is disappointingly named Ted, we thought it appropriate to look at a real person who benefited from a real name change. Did you know that John Wayne adopted this as his legal Hollywood name, rather than Marion Morrison, his given name? In fact, just like some businesses and product names, it was not a straight switchover. At various times he was also called Robert Michael and Robert Mitchell.

But what a powerful figure he became. Long after passing on, he still remains many folks favorite screen cowboy. The big, tough, hard talking, hard fighting man with the perfect tough name - John Wayne! Somehow we have a hard time imagining his image would have been the same as a Marion - which is often a lady's name anyway!

And just in case you are thinking of using the name for one of your products, services or companies, don't bother. John Wayne is a registered trademark of Wayne Enterprises, in a number of different categories. And it is properly preserved and protected to this day, including a trademark on his personal handwritten signature. For such good work and innovation we had to give it a perfect score.