What is "Magic" Johnson's first name?

While the world knows him by his legendary one-word moniker, the basketball superstar was born Earvin Johnson Jr., sharing his first name with his father. He carried this name through his childhood in Lansing, Michigan, long before his on-court wizardry earned him a more famous title. For friends (Review), family, and official records, the man behind the magic is, and has always been, named Earvin.

The famous nickname originated long before his professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers. As a 15-year-old sophomore at Everett High School, he put on a stunning performance, recording 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists. A local sportswriter, awestruck by the seemingly impossible feat, dubbed him "Magic." The name was a perfect fit for his dazzling, almost supernatural (Review) command of the basketball court.

Interestingly, Johnson's mother, a devout Christian, initially disliked the nickname, finding it sacrilegious. Despite her reservations, the name stuck and quickly became his identity. It perfectly encapsulated his flashy, no-look passes and unparalleled court vision that would later define the "Showtime" era of basketball. The moniker became so iconic that it has largely overshadowed his actual first name for millions of fans worldwide.