What's in a Name?

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet."
--From Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

and then there is this:

Muhammad Ali Sells Marketing Rights

NEW YORK - Muhammad Ali, one of the world's most recognized people, has sold 80 percent of the marketing rights to his name and likeness to a firm for $50 million.

Most people, including those who do crossword puzzles, know him simply as "Ali." But the relationship between Ali and Muhammad was very close:

Ali ibn Abi Talib (Arabic: علي بن أبي طالب translit: ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib Persian: علی پسر ابو طالب) ‎ (599 – 661) is an early Islamic leader. He is seen by Sunni Muslims as the fourth and last of the Khulafā’ ar-Rāshidūn (Rightly Guided Caliphs). Shi'a Muslims consider him the First Imam appointed by Muhammad and the first rightful caliph. Ali was the cousin of Muhammad, and after marriage to Fatima Zahra, he also became Muhammad's son-in-law.

You have to admit that this thing about names is pretty interesting. (see my post on 3/31/06 about the simple name "Apple.")

Memo to self:

Contact Copyright office about the name "Jesus Christ." It might be worth something some day. Also, reliquish copyright on "George Bush."