Why Did Jay Ryan Change His Name? The Truth Behind The Name Switch

During his early days in Los Angeles, Jay Ryan was advised to change his name. Bunyan was thought to sound too close to bunion, which could be a bit of a turnoff for some. It’s a common thing in Hollywood to try and find a name that is both memorable and easy to pronounce.

The advice given to Ryan might have stemmed from the fact that a bunion is a painful, bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It’s a condition that can make it difficult to wear shoes and can cause discomfort when walking. So, you can see why someone might not want their name associated with something that could potentially be a painful experience.

Ultimately, Ryan went ahead with the name change, adopting the simpler and more streamlined “Jay Ryan.” It’s a great example of how Hollywood can be all about branding and creating the right image. While a name like Bunyan might have been perfectly fine in other parts of the world, in the world of Hollywood, it could have been seen as a bit of a liability.