What was the original name Charles Schultz had for Peanuts?

Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip, Peanuts, initially had a different name in mind for his iconic creation. Before settling on Peanuts, Schulz had chosen the name "Li'l Folks" for his comic strip.

The comic strip, which debuted on October 2, 1950, initially appeared under the title "Li'l Folks" in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Schulz had created the strip as a young artist, drawing inspiration from his own childhood experiences, and the characters in the strip closely resembled the ones that eventually became the Peanuts gang.

However, when Schulz approached United Feature Syndicate to syndicate his comic strip nationally, the name "Li'l Folks" was deemed too similar to another comic strip titled "Little Folks." As a result, Schulz had to come up with a new name that would be distinctive and memorable.

After much brainstorming, Schulz settled on the name "Peanuts." The name was inspired by the phrase "good grief," which was commonly used by the character Charlie Brown in the strip. Schulz believed that "Peanuts" had a playful and whimsical quality that perfectly captured the essence of his characters and their misadventures.

The new name, Peanuts, was introduced on January 6, 1952, and the comic strip gained immense popularity. Schulz's endearing characters, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and many others, became household names and have since become an integral part of popular culture.

Over the years, Peanuts expanded beyond the comic strip to include television specials, movies, merchandise, and even a theme park. Schulz's creation continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, thanks to its relatable characters, timeless humor, and insightful commentary on the human condition.

So, while "Li'l Folks" may have been the original name Charles Schulz had in mind for his comic strip, it was the name "Peanuts" that ultimately became synonymous with his iconic creation.