Changing One's Given Name

[ChiefAdmin]

From the time Billy began going by the name of William H Bonney, to the present day, no other single event has been shrouded more in controversy.

Why is this?
Even more importantly to ask however, is why and how did Billy come about using his "new" name.
This forum Administrator has the answer .....

The traditional answer has always been one which doesn't make much sense - indeed if any!
No need to give that reason here as everyone who has read information on Billy, or has been a subscriber of other websites and forums "out there", is fully aware of what has already been "established" as to why Billy changed his name.
Unfortunately, the information which has been provided is incorrect.

For most of you who have browsed this forum know that this Forum Administrator has made it perfectly clear Billy is in no way "blood related" to the McCarty family. What hasn't yet been clearly stated, is the REASON why Billy chose to go by William H Bonney instead of continuing to use his "given name"- Henry McCarty. BTW: Billy made this decision in the year 1871.
[NOTE: The exact date is indicated by his Natal Chart.]

Now as to "why":
Somehow, Billy was made privy to his real identity; and when this occurred, Billy almost immediately "dropped" his given name to what he truly believed was his real name - William H Bonney.

Who was the person who confided in Billy regarding his true identity?
While we will probably never know for 100 percent certain as to who this individual was, he most certainly was a close friend of Billy!
Billy had several close friends - even the "historians" believe this much.

However, it had to be an individual who was not only a friend of Billy, but whom also knew the facts about his birth!
That narrows it down to at least this probable fact: This individual was older than Billy.
However, it is possible to 'narrow it down' even further.

To be continued .........


ChiefAdmin

UPDATE: This post was edited by the Forum Administrator on August 2, 2026

[OutlawBuddy]

Extremely interesting! I will bookmark this as I want to find out what additional information is going to be released about the friend who told Billy of his real identity!

OutlawBuddy

[ChiefAdmin]

TO OutlawBuddy

You also can click on "Subscribe" when you are logged into particular forum topic of that which you wish to follow

ChiefAdmin

[OutlawBuddy]

Hey! Thanks again admin for your info and replying so quickly to my comments and questions. Super!