There’s something strangely fitting about the fastest man in history being named Usain Bolt, but many people wondered if this is just a pseudonym that he made up and not his actual name.
Usain Bolt is the real name of the famous Jamaican sprinter and the Olympic gold medalist. His full name is Usain St. Leo Bolt, but he’s also known by a nickname “Lightning Bolt” due to his speed.
Behind the Name
Usain Bolt’s first name is extremely rare, but it’s believed that it’s a variation of a much more common Arabic name Hussain which comes in many different variations. Usain means “beautiful” in Arabic, but can also be translated as “handsome” and “good”.
His last name is much easier to trace, and it’s common in many parts of the world. According to House of Names, this surname was first found in Lancashire, but various spelling variations can be found across Europe.
People with the last name Bolt settled everywhere from North America to Australia, so it’s not surprising that their ancestors now inhabit every corner of the world. According to Ancestry.com, Bolt also used to be a nickname for a short but powerfully built person.
“Lightning Bolt”
After Usain Bolt’s triumph at the 2016 Rio Olympics, many Twitter users were puzzled by the fact this was his real name. Some of them wondered if he changed his name to Bolt after realizing how fast he is, but a quick Google search proved them wrong.
The Jamaican sprinter was born on August 21, 1986 to parents Wellesley and Jennifer Bolt, who named him Usain St Leo Bolt. He doesn’t go by his full name because it would be too lengthy, but there’s nothing fake about it.
The Olympic champion earned a nickname “Lightning Bolt” thanks to his incredible speed. We first became aware of his sheer talent when he took part in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and won gold in the 100 meters and 200 meters events.
He replicated his success at the next two Summer Olympics in London and Rio de Janeiro. He also took part in 4 × 100-meter relays in 2012 and 2016, winning gold both times.
Bolt currently holds the world record in all three of these disciplines, and that’s why he’s often described as the greatest sprinter of all time. In addition to winning eight gold medals at the Olympics, he’s a holder of 19 Guinness World Records.
The famous sprinter fully embraced his nickname “Lightning Bolt” and often performed his signature “lightning bolt” pose to celebrate his triumphs. This viral move is also known as “to di world” pose, and it was a popular Jamaican dancehall move before Bolt embraced it.
Usain Bolt also went viral after winning the 100 meters final at the 2013 World Championship because a bolt of lightning lit up the sky just before he crossed the finish line.
Bolt’s Famous Namesakes
Usain Bolt is currently the only notable person with the first name Usain, but there are many athletes, artists, and academics – and even fictional characters – who share his last name Bolt.
The Australian tennis player Alex Bolt, the Last Tango in Halifax star Josh Bolt, and the British film producer Jeremy Bolt all share his last name. They’re still to make their mark in their respective fields, but it’s highly unlikely they’ll become more recognizable than Usain Bolt.
The eight-time Olympic gold medallist also shares his name with several fictional characters, including the DC supervillain Bolt. He’s a special effects artist and assassin, capable of teleporting and projecting energy blasts with a special suit he designed.
Bolt still hasn’t appeared in any DC adaptations, but Disney also has a character with the same name. Animated film Bolt followed the adventures of an adorable puppy who spent his whole life playing a superhero dog on a popular TV show and started believing that his powers are real.