# (Semi) Well-known people who share unusual names **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 30, 2010, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839 "2010-12-30T16:47:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![kidneyfailure](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9f8e36/32.png) [@kidneyfailure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kidneyfailure)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/41 "2010-12-31T08:10:21Z")
IIRC had some relative of Charles Lindbergh’s not changed the family’s name before the birth of the famous (or, perhaps, “infamous”) aviator’s birth, he would have been known as “Charles Manson.” ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/42 "2010-12-31T09:16:06Z")
The two George Millers who are both Australian movie directors: > **[George Miller | Producer, Writer, Director](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004306/)** > > Known for: Mad Max: Fury Road, The Road Warrior, Happy Feet > **[George Miller | Director, Producer, Second Unit Director or Assistant Director](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004305/)** > > Known for: The Man from Snowy River, Matlock Police, The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter ---
**Author:** ![Student\_Driver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3da27b/32.png) [@Student\_Driver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Student_Driver)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/43 "2010-12-31T12:57:45Z")
Since by now the “unusual name” factor is gone, I’ll throw in the ones that always threw me for a loop: [Samantha Fox](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samantha_Fox_%28pornographic_actress%29), American porn star in the 70s/80s. [Samantha Fox](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samantha_Fox), British topless Page 3 model and pop singer. I was a big fan of the British version when I was a kid, and _man_ was I disappointed when I finally was able to catch one of the US version’s movies on cable. I also always wondered why British pop star [George Michael](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_michael) was so keen on hosting a sports show on NBC, the [George Michael](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Michael_%28sportscaster%29) Sports Machine. Oops. And one of my faves that I was hip to, but that invariably disappointed young girls dragged by their brothers to comic book conventions in the 1980s… Marvel writer [Ralph Macchio](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Macchio_%28comics%29) is definitely not [Ralph Macchio](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Macchio) of Karate Kid fame. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Scrivener](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@The\_Scrivener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Scrivener)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/44 "2010-12-31T13:21:26Z")
> [@Argent\_Towers](#): > > Unless you are referring to a device relating to the respiratory disease pneumonia, I think you mean to say mnemonic device. > > Believe me, you are not the first person to make this mistake. Even the US Army Survival Manual does it. But why would the US Army Survival Manual be referencing Peter Sellers/Sellars? 😉 :smack: You know, I wouldn’t normally make that mistake, but I was posting while sleep-deprived (about eight hours’ worth over the previous three days), and I was not firing on all cylinders, to put it mildly. Thank you for being so gentle in your correction! (I’ve just now gotten up after nine hours of sleep, and I feel almost human.) ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/45 "2010-12-31T15:49:43Z")
Christopher Columbus, discoverer of America Christopher Columbus, film director William Shakespeare, playwright William Shakespeare, inventor of the level-winding fishing reel George Washington, Father of Our Country George Washington, inventor of instant coffee ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/46 "2010-12-31T17:28:51Z")
> [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](#): > > Back about ten years ago, there were two NFL players playing at the same time with the same name, but I don’t recall it (and not Curt/Kurt Warner). There are currently two running backs in the NFL named Adrian Peterson. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/47 "2010-12-31T17:35:13Z")
In the 70’s, both the Vikings and the 49ers had wide receivers named Gene Washington. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/48 "2010-12-31T17:37:32Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Awright… > > Flagstaff Steampickle Frakkenhammer is a fictional character I just invented. > > Flagstaff Steampickle Frakkenhammer is \*another \*fictional character I just invented. > (assuming fictional names count; if not, nevermind) > mmm Speaking as a member of the proud Frakkenhammer family I’ll thank you not to mock my cousin Flagstaff {which is really only his porn name anyway, his real name is Dudley} ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/49 "2010-12-31T17:40:32Z")
From two small towns in Maine Dick Hurtz from Holden Dick Hurtz from Patten ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/50 "2010-12-31T17:45:01Z")
[Derek Lowe](http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3640), pitcher [Derek Lowe](http://pipeline.corante.com/), chemist and blogger [Derek Lowe](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0522922/), actor ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/51 "2010-12-31T18:46:55Z")
[Mark Clayton](http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClayMa00.htm) was an NFL wide receiver in the 1980s and 1990s, primarily with the Dolphins. He was one of the “Marks Brothers”, favorite targets for Dan Marino. [Mark Clayton](http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClayMa01.htm) is currently an NFL wide receiver, playing for the Rams, after several years with the Ravens. ---
**Author:** ![JessMagic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c0e974/32.png) [@JessMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JessMagic)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/52 "2010-12-31T18:52:26Z")
Tom Cruise, famous nut-bar actor. Tom Cruise, slightly less famous young English footballer (soccer player, whatever) > **[Tom Cruise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_cruise)** > > Thomas Cruise Mapother IV (born July 3, 1962) is an American actor, producer and pilot. One of the world's highest-paid actors, he has received various accolades, including an Honorary Palme d'Or and three Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for four Academy Awards. His films have grossed over $4 billion in North America and over $11.5 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing box-office stars of all time. > Cruise began acting in the early 1980s and made his breakt... > **[Thomas Cruise (footballer)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cruise_(footballer))** > > Thomas Daniel Cruise (born 9 March 1991) is an English former professional footballer who played as a left back. He has played in the Football League for Carlisle United and Torquay United. He is a product of the Arsenal Academy who came to prominence during 2008–09 FA Youth Cup. > Cruise was born in Islington, Greater London. He joined in and made his debut for Arsenal F.C. Reserves in November 2007.\[citation needed\] Through Arsenal Academy, Cruise was a member of the FA Youth Cup winning team... ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/53 "2010-12-31T20:53:34Z")
Bob Marley, reggae legend (black) Bob Marley, Maine comic (white) ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2011, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/54 "2011-01-01T00:20:58Z")
That reminds me… [George Wallace](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Wallace), politician. Notable mainly for his segregationist beliefs. [George Wallace](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Wallace_(comedian)), comedian. Black. ---
**Author:** ![Number](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/number/32/242_2.png) [@Number](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Number)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/55 "2011-01-02T19:09:57Z")
These are somewhat unusual in the English-speaking world, though less so in the Portuguese-speaking one, as Silva is the most common surname there. [Anderson Silva](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Silva), MMA fighter [Anderson Silva](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Silva_%28kickboxer%29), kickboxer [Thiago Silva](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiago_Silva_(fighter)), MMA fighter [Thiago Silva](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiago_Emiliano_da_Silva), footballer playing for A.C. Milan [Thiago Silva](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiago_Jotta_da_Silva), footballer murdered in 2008 [Tiago Silva](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiago_Silva_dos_Santos), footballer playing for K.R.C. Genk [Rafael Pereira da Silva](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Pereira_da_Silva_%28footballer_born_1990%29), footballer playing for Manchester United [Rafael Pereira da Silva](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Pereira_da_Silva_%28footballer_born_1980%29), footballer playing for Goiás As I’ve recently discovered, names like this are a nuisance for [disambiguators](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Disambiguation_pages_with_links) on Wikipedia. If someone just links to plain old [Thiago Silva](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiago_Silva), it can be hard to figure out by context which one they meant to refer to. > [@Ronald C. Semone](#): > > Winston Churchill, British Statesman > Winston Churchill, late 19th century American author There’s also [the Prime Minister’s ancestor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill_(1620%E2%80%931688)), who was a soldier, historian, and politician in the 17th century. The latter two are particularly interesting because the American Churchill (apparently no relation) was initially more famous. This led to [frequent confusion]([Winston Churchill (novelist) - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill_%28novelist%29#Confusion) with the British statesman) of the two during their lifetimes. They corresponded about it, and the British Churchill started signing works with his middle initial S. (for Spencer). The American one said he would have done the same, except he didn’t have a middle name. ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2011, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/56 "2011-01-03T06:25:35Z")
I know it doesn’t count, but I have an irresistible urge to mention all the various real life people Lost characters were named after, particularly [philosophers](http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Philosophers). ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2011, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/57 "2011-01-03T08:25:31Z")
[James Dean](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Dean), rebel without a cause. [Jimmy Dean](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Dean), singer with a sausage. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2011, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/58 "2011-01-03T12:23:42Z")
Harrison Ford, action movie star Harrison Ford, Action Movie Star > **[Harrison Ford (silent film actor)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Ford_%28silent_film_actor%29)** > > Harrison Ford (March 16, 1884 – December 2, 1957) was an American silent film actor. He was a leading Broadway theater performer and a star of the silent film era. > Born in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Anna and Walter, Ford began his acting career on the stage. He made his Broadway debut in 1904 in Richard Harding Davis's Ranson's Folly. He went on to appear in productions of William C. deMille's Strongheart; Glorious Betsy by Rida Johnson Young (the production lasted only 24 performances bu... > **[Harrison Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Ford)** > > Harrison Ford (born July 13, 1942) is an American actor and pilot. He has been a leading man in films of several genres and is regarded as an American cultural icon. His films have grossed more than $5.4 billion in North America and more than $9.3 billion worldwide, making him the seventh-highest-grossing actor in North America. He is the recipient of various accolades, including the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2000, the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2002, an Honorary César in 2010, and After p... ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2011, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/59 "2011-01-03T14:36:39Z")
> [@Argent\_Towers](#): > > Unless you are referring to a device relating to the respiratory disease pneumonia, I think you mean to say mnemonic device. This is interesting. I assumed that **Scrivener** understood the difference and intentionally used ‘pneumonic’ just to be whimsically amusing. ---
**Author:** ![glowacks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/glowacks/32/5548_2.png) [@glowacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glowacks)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2011, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839/60 "2011-01-03T21:10:11Z")
Again, the names are quite common, but this perhaps is a coincidence worth of this thread: Steve Jackson is the name of two different game designers. One wrote several books in a series the other started; the books make absolutely no mention of the fact that the two people involved are different. At least they’re from different countries. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-well-known-people-who-share-unusual-names/565839.md?page=4)