Court grants Rowdy Wayne Craft name change from Doris Wayne Kraft Jr

The Cheatham Chancery Court in Tennessee held a name change hearing on July 3, 2025, for Rowdy Wayne Kraft, who sought to officially change his name from Doris Wayne Kraft Jr. to better reflect his identity in the community.

During the proceedings, Kraft explained that he has been known as "Rowdy" since childhood, a name that resonates with his personal history and community recognition. The court's discussion included light-hearted moments, with the judge referencing the classic TV show "Rawhide," which featured Clint Eastwood, drawing a parallel to Kraft's nickname.

Kraft affirmed that the name change was not intended to evade legal obligations or creditors, emphasizing that it was purely a matter of aligning his legal name with the name he has always been known by. The judge granted the petition, stating, "We're going to change your name to reflect who you really are."

This decision highlights the court's role in supporting individuals' rights to their identities and names, reinforcing the importance of personal recognition within the community.