1

Anchisaurus

Image: Simon Infanger

Anchisaurus is one of the first dinosaurs discovered in American territory, although it was not correctly identified at the beginning. The first fossil of this herbivore was found in East Windsor, Connecticut , in 1818, but it was then believed to be part of a human skeleton. In subsequent years, other specimens of this species were uncovered in the area.

It measured 8 to 20 ft in length and lived 210 million years ago in the Portland Formation, Northeastern United States. In the late Triassic and early Jurassic periods, the Connecticut Valley was a dry, steep depression, and it was possible to pass from here to the east and the center of what is now Africa. This explains why some dinosaurs lived both in America and other continents.

2

Triceratops

Image: photo_steff

One of the most iconic dinosaurs found in America is the Triceratops, a herbivore that lived 70 to 65 million years ago, right at the end of the Age of Dinosaurs, in the Late Cretaceous. Its name derives from Greek and means "face with three horns". One of the largest horned dinosaurs**,** it stood around 7.5 ft tall and weighed about 5 rhinoceroses, the equivalent of 10 tons.

Fossils of this dinosaur have been found in abundance in the Hell Creek Formation in Montana and South Dakota. No fossils of this dinosaur have been found on any other continent. Triceratops has been the state dinosaur of Wyoming since March 1994.

3

Allosaurus

Image: WikiImages

Allosaurus was one of the largest carnivores of the Jurassic period and its remains in the United States have been found mainly in the Morrison Formation, which covers states such as Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. It lived 155 to 145 million years ago in North America, Africa, Australia, and possibly China. Also, did you know that the Allosaurus fragilis is the state fossil of Utah?

This bipedal dinosaur was an agile hunter with powerful jaws and sharp teeth. It was a theropod, not as huge as the largest carnivore, Tyrannosaurus rex, but just as fearsome. Allosaurus was bigger than an elephant and heavier than a rhino. Its name means "different lizard" due to its rare concave vertebrae.

4

Stegosaurus

Image: ariesa66

Another inhabitant of the Morrison Formation was the Stegosaurus, famous for its dorsal plates and spines on its tail, which it used for defense. Stegosaurus used to walk on all fours, grazing on low vegetation. Its head was perfectly adapted to this way of feeding. It was first described in 1877 by Yale paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh, and its name means "roof(ed) lizard".

This Jurassic herbivore has been discovered in several states in the western United States. Scientists have found many fossils, showing that it was a very common creature for 10 million years, despite its tiny brain, small head, and useless teeth. The discovery of the Stegosaurus has helped them better understand the anatomy and behavior of armored dinosaurs.

5

Tyrannosaurus rex

Image: Elly Enn

Is Tyrannosaurus rex the most famous dinosaur on the planet? Portrayed by pop culture to the hilt, this formidable predator is known for its gigantic size, razor-sharp teeth, and bipedal posture. However, its popularity has a logical explanation. T. rex is also one of the best-represented dinosaurs in the fossil record, with several complete specimens discovered, particularly in the states of Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Based on bones found in the late 19th century, paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn recreated the first drawing of this gigantic creature. He named it Tyrannosaurus rex, meaning "tyrant lizard king," because it is believed to have been the most dangerous dinosaur and the largest land carnivore of all time. Although it is estimated that up to 1.7 billion T. rex dinosaurs lived on Earth, only about 30 nearly complete skeletons have been found. Think about that!

6

Deinonychus

Image: Steve Wrzeszczynski

This small but ferocious theropod lived during the Cretaceous period about 115-108 million years ago. Deinonychus is known for its sickle-shaped claws on its feet, used for hunting. Its name, unsurprisingly, means "terrible claw". Like all bipeds, it moved only on its hind legs and is believed to have been able to run at 25 miles per hour: more than the average Olympic champion.

Deinonychus fossils were found in Utah, Oklahoma, Montana, and Wyoming, in rocks of the Cloverly Formation and Antlers Formation. The study of this species, beginning in the 1960s, revolutionized the way scientists thought about dinosaurs, providing fascinating new insight into smaller predators.

7

Ankylosaurus

Image: mdherren

Ankylosaurus is one of the best-known armored dinosaurs, which lived at the end of the Cretaceous period. It had bony protrusions on its head and all over its body as protection against the teeth and claws of predators. The armor was made up of small plates of bone welded together, constituting a shell as effective as that of turtles.

This gigantic herbivore roamed the jungles of North America about 68-66 million years ago, almost as well protected as a modern tank. The first specimen of Ankylosaurus was found in 1906 in the Hell Creek Formation, near Gilbert Creek, Montana. Other fossils of this species were discovered in other parts of Montana and Alberta, Canada, in the following years. However, to this day, it has not been possible to obtain a complete skeleton.

8

Hadrosaurus

Image: Jordyn St. John

The first Hadrosaurus fossils were discovered by William Parker Folke, an amateur paleontologist, in 1838 in Haddonfield, New Jersey. The excavation site, known as the Hadrosaurus foulkii Leidy site, is now a National Historic Landmark. Hadrosaurids are known for their duck-billed mouth, with a powerful jaw containing several rows of teeth for chewing all kinds of leaves.

In 2004, scientists found a mummified Hadrosaurus specimen in North Dakota. This fossil is extremely unusual and valuable, as dinosaur soft tissue including skin and muscle is rare. This find allows us to learn more about this species and how they lived 67 million years ago.

9

Diplodocus

Image: michaelwedermann

Diplodocus means "double beam" and is so named because of the double bones in its tail. This was one of the longest animals on earth. It was about 79-85 ft long, 15 ft high, and weighed 15 tons. It could reach the tops of towering trees for food, and its small head allowed it to forage in vegetation where few other dinosaurs could reach.

Although some Diplodocus fossils were discovered earlier near Cañon City, Colorado, the most notable find came a few years later. In 1899, Funded by Scottish-American steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie, members of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History found a well-preserved Diplodocus skeleton in the Morrison Formation of Sheep Creek, Wyoming. With these fossils, the museum created a composite mount that became very popular and even got to tour the world.

10

Apatosaurus

Image: Cup of Couple

Apatosaurus is one of the best-known sauropods that inhabited North America during the Jurassic period. These herbivorous giants, with their long necks and tails, have also been discovered in the Morrison Formation, mainly in Colorado and Utah. It is believed to have lived 150 million years ago, at the end of the Jurassic period.

Apatosaurus could reach 69-75 ft in length, 20 tons in weight, and was one of the largest sauropods. It had a long neck containing 15 huge bones supported by powerful muscles that allowed it to feed on the leaves of the tallest trees. Perhaps this dinosaur sounds familiar. It has been the inspiration for numerous beloved animated characters: Littlefoot from The Land Before Time and Arlo and Poppa Henry from Pixar's The Good Dinosaur are Apatosauruses.

1

Stevie Wonder

Image: Osman Rana

The musical genius behind hits like "Superstition" and "Isn't She Lovely," Stevie Wonder, was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins.

Blind from infancy, he was a child prodigy, signed to Motown Records at just 11 years old. They decided to rebrand him as "Little Stevie Wonder." Isn’t that how a legend gets made?

2

Muhammad Ali

Image: engin akyurt

"The Greatest," Muhammad Ali, known for his legendary boxing career and his outspoken personality, was born Cassius Clay.

After converting to Islam, he refused to keep his birth name and rebranded himself as Muhammad Ali. He floated like a butterfly, stung like a bee, and certainly wasn't shy about making a statement!

3

Whoopi Goldberg

Image: asim alnamat

The hilarious and outspoken Whoopi Goldberg, known for her roles in films like The Color Purple and Ghost , was called Caryn Elaine Johnson at birth.

If her name reminds you of a Whoopee Cushion, here’s where you learn that that was intentional. Her friends called her that –Whoopi Cushion– and she wanted it to be her stage name, but her mom convinced her to take herself more seriously and use one of her family surnames, Goldberg.

4

Lady Gaga

Image: Hrayr Movsisyan

The queen of pop, Lady Gaga, known for her outrageous fashion style and catchy hits like "Bad Romance" and "Born This Way," was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. Elegant, but still a mouthful when you are trying to become the next Madonna.

While designing her legendary persona, she was inspired by the Queen song "Radio Ga Ga," and she stuck with that name. It does fit her theatrical aesthetic much better than Stefani Germanotta, doesn't it?

5

Prince

Image: ROMBO

This one is less of a story than you might imagine —Prince’s first name was, indeed, Prince. The Purple One was born Prince Rogers Nelson, just like his father, a jazz musician who performed under the stage name "Prince Rogers." So, that name was taken.

He rose to fame as simply "Prince," although some remember him as "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince (TAFKAP)," which he established as his name after a dispute with Warner Bros Records.

6

Bob Dylan

Image: Samuel Ramos

The voice of a generation, Bob Dylan, known for his poetic lyrics and iconic songs like "Blowin' in the Wind," was born Robert Allen Zimmerman.

Did he choose the name after Dylan Thomas? No, the musician eventually confessed he’d never read much of the poet. Toying around with his first surname, Allen, Bob had been trying to decide whether to call himself "Bob Allen" or "Bob Allyn," until he realized "Dylan" was, in his words, stronger.

7

Meg Ryan

Image: Kit Suman

America's sweetheart, Meg Ryan, known for her roles in romantic comedies like Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail , was born Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra.

When you have such a long name, you have to make some decisions. She first presented herself as "Margaret Hyra", but when registering for the Screen Actors Guild, Margaret became Meg, and her dad’s surname was replaced by the maiden name of her grandma, Ryan.

8

Demi Moore

Image: Bruno Mattos

Actress Demi Moore was born Demetria Gene Guynes. She shortened her first name to Demi when she began her acting career and adopted the surname Moore from her first husband, Freddy Moore.

The Moores eventually separated, but Demi decided to carry the surname on throughout her career.

9

Brad Pitt

Image: Amjith S

Did you know that Brad Pitt might easily have been known as "Bill Pitt"? Or "Willy Pitt"? We surely prefer Brad!

Hollywood’s heartthrob was born William Bradley Pitt. Early in his career, he presented himself with his full name, but eventually, he dropped the "William." He went on to become a multi-awarded and beloved movie star and producer.

10

Winona Ryder

Image: Elviss Railijs Bitāns

The quirky and talented Winona Ryder, known for her roles in films like Beetlejuice and Girl, Interrupted , was born Winona Laura Horowitz.

Why did she choose "Ryder" for her movie credits? She says that she picked the name out of a Mitch Ryder record her dad loved. Seems whimsical, but remember: She was only a teenager when she rose to fame!

11

Emma Stone

Image: Mirko Fabian

Academy Award-winning actress Emma Stone, known for her roles in films like La La Land and Easy A , was born Emily Jean Stone.

She would have signed up with her real name proudly, but when she went to register with the Screen Actors Guild, she found that Emily Stone was taken. She decided to go for the next best thing and name herself after her favorite Spice Girl, Emma Bunton.

1

Unalaska, Alaska

Image: Hari Nandakumar

Despite what the name suggests, Unalaska is not trying to break away from the rest of the state. The town’s name comes from Agunalaksh , the original name given by the Unangan people. Over time, spelling and pronunciation changes led to the simplified version: Unalaska.

In the late 1800s, the US Board on Geographic Names made it official, but don’t worry, it’s just the name; the beauty is certainly Alaskan!

2

Why, Arizona

Image: Kaileen Fitzpatrick

If you’ve ever asked yourself "Why?", you might be thinking too hard. This Arizona town got its name because of a simple road design: State Routes 85 and 86 originally met in a Y-shape.

When it was time to name the community, the locals wanted to call it Y (yes, you read that right), but Arizona law required town names to have at least three letters. So, they got creative and went with Why. Why, right?

3

No Name, Colorado

Image: Rich Martello

What do you call a town when you just can’t decide on a name? Apparently, (and logically, if we might say so), No Name. The story goes that when developers were working on Interstate 70, they left the town’s exit sign blank.

A transportation official later labeled it "No Name", and the locals decided to go with it . State officials tried to rename the area, but the people weren’t having it. They simply loved it!

4

Burnt Store, Florida

Image: Done By Alex

The name Burnt Store sounds like something out of a Wild West showdown, and the real story (or the legend, actually) isn’t too far off, you know?

Legend has it that in 1849, a trading post on the Peace River was burned to the ground after an attack. The store’s manager, George Payne, had dealings with the Seminole Indians before he was killed in an ambush. Shortly after, the store itself was destroyed. The tragic event left a permanent mark on the town’s history and its name.

5

Santa Claus, Indiana

Image: Ryan De Hamer

Originally called Santa Fe, this town located in Indiana had to change its name when officials discovered another Santa Fe already existed in the state.

People saw this as an opportunity, and instead of picking something new and extraordinary, they went all in on holiday spirit and became Santa Claus in 1856.

The town fully embraces its Christmas identity; it has attractions like Holiday World, Lake Rudolph Campground, and Frosty’s Fun Center. If you love the holidays, this is the place to be!

6

Bald Head, Maine

Image: Michael Denning

If you’re expecting a town full of shiny, bald-headed guys, well, you might be disappointed. Bald Head, Maine, actually gets its name from a nearby cliff called Bald Head Cliff .

Now, we all want to know the same: Does it look like a bald head? Sorry to disappoint, but not really. Still, the name has stuck, and the scenic beauty of the area more than makes up for any confusion. Just don’t show up expecting a bald head convention!

7

Accident, Maryland

Image: Colin Lloyd

Accident, Maryland, owes its name to an actual accident… Well, kind of. In the 1700s, two land surveyors both accidentally claimed the same piece of land without realizing it . One of them, William Deakins, Jr., later allowed the other, Brooke Beall, to keep it. Rather than rename the town, the name Accident stuck. Talk about a happy accident… And generosity!

8

Whynot, North Carolina

Image: Brendan Steeves

Similar to Why, Arizona, this North Carolina town also came about after a naming debate that got a little too long.

Legend has it that settlers were arguing over what to call their new town when one exasperated resident finally said, "Why not just name it Whynot and go home?" And just like that, Whynot was born.

9

Boring, Oregon

Image: everett mcintire

Yes, we get it. The first thing that comes to mind is "Why would you name your town this?" But despite what the name suggests, Boring, Oregon, isn’t actually boring . If you need some proof, just ask the locals!

Named after William Harrison Boring, one of its early settlers, the town became a hub for the timber industry. To make things even funnier, Boring has international "sister city" partnerships with Dull, Scotland, and Bland, Australia. If you ever visit, you’ll find that Boring is anything but!

10

Mosquitoville, Vermont

Image: Peter James Eisenhaure

If you were reluctant to visit Boring, imagine visiting Mosquitoville! The name alone makes us want to grab a can of bug spray!

Mosquitoville is actually a small community in Barnet, Vermont, and while we can’t confirm just how many mosquitoes live there, the name doesn’t sound very promising. You’ll just have to go one summer and find out! Only if you dare!