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Famous name-changers

Lakers player Ron Artest officially changed his name to Meta World Peace on Friday. Metta is a Buddhist term that means loving kindness and friendliness toward others.

Lakers player Ron Artest officially changed his name to Meta World Peace on Friday. Metta is a Buddhist term that means loving kindness and friendliness toward others.  (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

On Friday, Ron Artest became Metta World Peace. Along with World Peace, here are some other famous name changes.

Prince

The Artist Formerly Known as Prince changed his name in 1994 to an unpronounceable symbol made from the combination of the symbols for male and female.  (STR/AFP/Getty Images)

Muhammad Ali

Boxing great Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. He changed his name in 1964 after joining the Nation of Islam.   (Trevor Humphries/Getty Images)

Chad Ochocinco

Chad Ochocinco of the New England Patriots was previously called Chad Javon Johnson. Ochocinco is a blend of the Spanish words for eight (ocho) and five (cinco), and represents his jersey number.   (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

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