Athletes with Double Names: Magnus Magnusson Tops the List

They turn heads and bring all sorts of colorful replies. They leave many to wonder how it all came about. Did their parents stutter a lot? Did they lack originality? The answers are difficult to come by, but one fact is clear. Some of the world's top athletes share a name with someone famous: themselves. Over the years, dozens of athletes have risen to prominence as much for their names as their athletic skills. They are the athletes whose first names are exactly or nearly the same as their last names. Here are 10 to remember.

Magnus Magnusson: Certainly, he's the most prominent guy with a double name. Born Magnus Ver Magnusson, he is a four-time winner of the World's Strongest Man title and one of the greatest power lifters ever. Now 46, Magnusson hails from Iceland, where he began competing in power lifting when he was 21. He won the World's Strongest Man title in 1991, 1994, 1995 and 1996.

Duany Duany: From 1996 to 2000, the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team featured this 6-foot-5 forward from Bloomington, Ind. Now 33, Duany averaged 5 points per game during his senior season. He was born in the Sudan and left when he was just 4 years old. His story is quite remarkable. The son of the former Sudanese prime minister, Duany lived in England for a few years before his father moved to Bloomington to attend Indiana University. The family fled Sudan during civil unrest that led to a long period of tribal warring and genocide. Duany's double name stems from Sudanese tradition. In Sudan, the first-born son often receives a first name that is the same as his last name.

Jose Jose: Essentially, he's not all that well-known at the moment, but that might change over the next few years. After all, Jose signed a letter of intent on National Signing Day that makes him the future heart of the offensive line at the University of Central Florida. The 6-foot-2, 355-pound lineman played his prep football for Miami Central and gained notoriety for his big frame, which opened a lot of holes. Only his parents know how why he received the name Jose Jose, but it's worth noting that he's not the only such fella. In fact, the more famous Jose Jose is a 61-year-old Mexican balladeer whose nickname translates to The Prince of the Song. Perhaps UCF Coach George O'Leary will be singing Jose Jose's praises soon.

Yang Yang: This female speed skater made history for her native China when she won the 500 meter short track event in 2002 at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. It was the first Winter Olympics gold medal for China. Now 33, she is considered one of the best female speed skaters ever. Along with winning the 500 meter race, Yang Yang also claimed gold in the 1000 meters and earned silver in the 3000 meter relay. She also won events in the World Championships in eight different seasons.

Li Li: Now26, Li Li is one of the world's top female badminton players. Born in China, she lived much of her life in Singapore and competed for the Singapore team in the 2004 Summer Olympics. She was considered a favorite to win gold at the 2008 Summer Olympics in China, but she decided to quit the Singapore team.

God Shammgod: This 6-foot guard was drafted by the Washington Wizards in the second round of the 1997 NBA draft and played one season for the team before heading overseas to play basketball. Now 33, Shammgod plays for the Portland Chinooks in the International Basketball League. He attended high school at LaSalle Academy in New York City and then played for two seasons at Providence, where he averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds per game.

Samoa Samoa: He played quarterback at Washington State in 1979 and 1980. He was the second of three players from American Somoa to star for the Cougars. He wore No. 11.

William Williams: Several athletes have shared this name. William David Williams is a senior defensive back at Notre Dame. The 24-year-old Williams is from Raleigh, N.C. William J. Williams Sr. was an owner of the Cincinnati Reds and the founding owner of the Cincinnati Bengals. He was part of a group that bought the Reds in 1966. His team won the World Series in both 1975 and 1976. His family parted ways with the Reds by selling its share of ownership in 1985. Williams died in 2009 at age 93.

Willie Wilson: Though it's not a true double name, it's close. Wilson played in the major leagues from 1976 to 1994. He spent most of his career with the Kansas City Royals and helped them win the World Series in 1985. He was a capable hitter and won the American League batting title in 1982 with a .332 average.

Johnnie Johnson: He played defensive back in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams. Johnson is in the College Football Hall of Fame for his success at the University of Texas. He was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft in 1980. He spent eight seasosn with the Rams and retired with the Seattle Seahawks after the 1989 season. He is not to be confused with Johnny Johnson, who also played in the NFL. The latter Johnson played for the Phoenix Cardinals and New York Jets. Johnson, who was drafted in 1990, played his college ball for San Jose State. Johnson rushed for 926 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie to earn a spot in the Pro Bowl.