The name – Bob Dylan

In 1962, young American singer-songwriter Robert Allen Zimmerman officially changed his name to Bob Dylan. Allegedly, he did it in the memory of one of his literary idols, Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (1914-1953).

Robert was 21 when he done that, and he was just 12 when Dylan Thomas died.

Later, at the peak of his fame, he recalled that event and acknowledged that he had been influenced by Dylan Thomas’ poetry, but:

“I didn't change my name in honor of Dylan Thomas. That's just a story. I've done more for Dylan Thomas than he's ever done for me. Look how many kids are probably reading his poetry now because they heard that story”

Regarding his change of name, Bob Dylan also said:

"You're born, you know, the wrong names, wrong parents. I mean, that happens. You call yourself what you want to call yourself. This is the land of the free."