What was Mickey Mouse’s original name?

Question: What was Mickey Mouse’s original name?

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Mortimer Mouse.

Mickey Mouse, one of the most iconic and enduring characters in animation history, was originally not named “Mickey” at all. Instead, when he was first conceptualized by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1928, his initial name was “Mortimer Mouse.”

The legend goes that Walt Disney, after creating this new character, first shared the name “Mortimer” with his wife, Lillian. She reportedly didn’t find the name endearing or suitable for the cheerful and lovable character Walt described. Lillian suggested the name “Mickey” as a friendlier and more appealing alternative. Walt heeded her advice, and thus, Mickey Mouse was born.

Mickey Mouse’s debut came in the short film “Steamboat Willie,” which was one of the first synchronized sound cartoons. The character quickly became a sensation and is often credited with saving the Disney Studio during a challenging time. As for the name “Mortimer,” it wasn’t entirely discarded. Later on, it was repurposed as the name for a rival character to Mickey Mouse, portraying him as a somewhat pompous rodent who tried to woo Minnie Mouse.

Today, Mickey Mouse stands as the face of The Walt Disney Company, symbolizing creativity, magic, and timeless entertainment. The influence and reach of Mickey are vast, spanning generations and cultures worldwide.