Rob McElhenney is currently in the spotlight as he embarks on an exciting new chapter by filing to legally change his name. This decision comes after a long history of humorous anecdotes, musical tributes, and significant global business endeavors. The beloved star of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is officially initiating the process to be known as “Rob Mac.” This name change is a response to the frequent mispronunciations of his surname and reflects a broader evolution in his professional identity, as already seen in the official credits for his projects with FX.
In various interviews, McElhenney has shared insights about this name change, revealing how it aligns with his expanding career and evolving public persona.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Rob McElhenney’s Name Change
Rob McElhenney has formally submitted legal documents to transition his name to Rob Mac.
As reported by TMZ and numerous other media outlets, he completed the necessary paperwork in Los Angeles. This significant change is prompted by years of public confusion and frequent mispronunciations of his surname, which many have found challenging to pronounce correctly.
The talented actor and producer explained that this decision was significantly influenced by the international expansion of his business and creative endeavors. “As our business and our storytelling continue to grow into various regions of the world and different languages, where my name becomes even more difficult to pronounce, I’m opting to go by Rob Mac,” he disclosed to Variety in May 2025.
The FX network has already updated his credit to “Rob Mac” in all official materials related to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, where he plays the character Mac while also serving as an executive producer and writer. This name change will be reflected in the show’s 17th season, set to premiere on July 9, 2025.
In 2023, Ryan Reynolds humorously created a musical birthday video to help fans learn how to pronounce McElhenney’s name correctly, featuring appearances from stars like Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day. Reynolds humorously sang, “It’s McElhenney, it’s McElhenney, while ways to massacre and mispronounce it there are many.”
McElhenney and Olson, who are parents to two children, Axel and Leo, recently shared that their kids were “really not happy about it, because they have that last name. And so do I, legally,” Olson mentioned during an interview (via The Hollywood Reporter).
This name change coincides with McElhenney’s ambitious business expansion through his company, More Better Industries, which includes various ventures such as Wrexham AFC and an upcoming spinoff series, Necaxa. He also confirmed that several members of his extended family have already embraced similar modifications to their surnames.
Both The Hollywood Reporter and People have confirmed the name change, noting that McElhenney has been informally using “Rob Mac” in recent months as he transitions to this new identity.
