Cookie Monster’s First Name Is Sid, And Other Icon’s “Real” Names

From Ronald McDonald to “Little Orphan Annie” Warbucks and Homer J. (the “J” stands for Jay!) Simpson, fictional characters often receive not just nicknames, but full names and backstories—even if those names are seldom, if ever, uttered.

For instance, Sesame Street's lovable cookie-devouring Cookie Monster has a real first name, and it isn't Cookie: it's Sid. And Cap'n Crunch? His name is Cap'n Horatio Magellan Crunch. (Though whether or not he is a true Captain is up for debate. Based on his uniform, Mr. Crunch may actually be a Commander.)

In the video above for Mental Floss, John Green runs through 44 cases of well-known fictional characters and their largely-forgotten or underused “real” names.

Colin Schultz | | READ MORE

Colin Schultz is a freelance science writer and editor based in Toronto, Canada. He blogs for Smart News and contributes to the American Geophysical Union. He has a B.Sc. in physical science and philosophy, and a M.A. in journalism.