The Brian Lehrer Show Changing Your Name
Sep 24, 2025
Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, shares his profound journey of faith and his name change after a life-altering experience. Callers recount their own fascinating stories, from a punk-inspired prank name to reclaiming cultural identities. One listener changed their name after a childhood accident, while another embraced a secret name only later in life. Discussions also touch on gender transitions, family legacies, and the impact of mob associations on name changes. Each story reveals the powerful significance behind personal names.
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Name Changes Reflect Identity Shifts
- Brian Lehrer frames name changes as reflections of identity shifts, from religion to gender to assimilation.
- He highlights historical anglicization by immigrants and modern reasons like gender identity and family dynamics.
Prank Became A Permanent Name
- Tarquin (Tarkin) changed his name as a teenage prank and it stuck after amusing peers and family.
- He says the new name became part of his identity and even inspired his brother to name a studio after it.
Restoring Family Heritage
- Henry reverted to his mother's Jewish maiden name after growing up with an Anglicized stepfather's surname.
- He now uses Hank Blumenkranz professionally and raised his children with that name.