As a 90’s kids, you probably grew up watching Mickey, Tweety and, Tom and Jerry. But had other decisions been made, your childhood memories would have been filled with Mortimer, Orson and, Jasper and Jinx.
Top 10 Favorite Cartoon Characters Original Names
1. Tweety Bird was Olsen
In 1942, Tweety Bird was a part of the comedic feline duo called Babbit and Catstello. He didn’t have a proper name back then, but the staff referred to him as “Orson” in the model sheet. It was in his second appearance in “Birdy and the Beast” that Tweety received the name we all know about today.
2. Mickey Mouse was Mortimer
Walt Disney planned on naming this famous character “Mortimer” but his wife intervened. As they say, happy wife, happy life- he decided to go with his wife’s suggestion of naming him “Mickey”. He later added “Mortimer Mouse” to the lineup as a rival for Minnie’s affections.
3. Pluto was Rover
Not only was Pluto named Rover in the beginning, initially he was supposed to be Minnie’s dog and not Mickey’s. His first appearance as Pluto came in October 1930, a few months after the discovery of the planet Pluto.
4. Goofy was Dippy Dawg
In his debut in 1932 in “Mickey’s Revue”, he had a beard and glasses and was called Dippy Dawg. In 1934, he was given his present name.
5. Elmer Fudd was Egghead
Egghead was a cartoon character with a giant head and khaki-colored hunting attire. He made his debut in the show “Egghead Rides Again”. It was a couple of years later that, a more refined version showed up “Elmer’s Candid Camera”.
6. Betty Boop was Nancy Lee or Nan McGrew
Betty Boop was originally a poodle and she often appeared as a supporting character in some shows by the name of Nancy Lee or Nan McGrew. With time, her floppy ears were transformed into glamorous hoop earrings and she became the leading lady Betty Boop, as we know her today.
7. Mighty Mouse was Super Mouse
The diminutive superhero starred in “Super Mouse, the Mouse of Tomorrow,” wearing similar colors to Superman. There was a Coo Coo Comics character who also went by the name “Super Mouse”. To prevent confusion, they decided to name their mouse “Mighty Mouse” instead.
8. Yosemite Sam had at least 3 other potential names
The creators of this particular cartoon character decided that the rootin’ tootin’ gunslinger should have a Western name. They alternated between “Wyoming Willie,” “Texas Tiny,” and “Denver Dan” before landing on the current name.
9. Jerry was Jinx
In their debut in “Puss Gets the Boot,” the famous duo was called Jasper and Jinx. The creators, though, didn’t feel the names “clicked” so they tested names till someone came up with Tom and Jerry.
10. Tom was Jasper
There is also a holiday cocktail named Tom and Jerry
So, these were a few of our favorite cartoon characters with their original names.
Read also – The Real Story Behind the Cartoon Nobita and Doraemon
