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Rob McElhenney, the beloved actor known to millions as “Mac” from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, is reportedly making a big personal change, he’s officially filing to change his name to Rob Mac.
The 47-year-old actor, producer, and co-owner of Wrexham AFC has submitted legal documents to shorten and simplify his famously difficult-to-pronounce surname, according to Deadline. The change comes after years of fans and international audiences struggling with “McElhenney,” particularly as his global profile continues to grow.
One source noted the move is a logical step:
“His name has been mispronounced constantly, even in Welcome to Wrexham, international football clubs had trouble with it. ‘Rob Mac’ is not only easier; it’s what people already call him anyway.”
McElhenney has embraced the nickname “Mac” since the beginning of It’s Always Sunny, where he plays a hilariously delusional version of himself. But the success of Welcome to Wrexham, the Disney+ docuseries following McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ journey as co-owners of a struggling Welsh football club, has made his name, and the challenge of pronouncing it, a regular talking point worldwide.
In a now-viral moment from the series, Latin American football executives fumbled the name “McElhenney” repeatedly during a potential partnership meeting. Fans joked that the actor’s own last name was harder to conquer than any team Wrexham has faced on the pitch.
Rob Mac seems to be leaning into the comedy of it, much like he always has in his career. In fact, he once poked fun at the issue in a viral social media post listing 15 alternate ways his name had been mispronounced over the years, including “McLemonade” and “Michael-Henny.”
But beyond laughs, the decision reflects a savvy personal branding move. As Welcome to Wrexham continues to expand its global audience, and with ongoing negotiations to distribute the show in even more territories, “Rob Mac” is clear, catchy, and undeniably him.
The actor has not yet commented publicly on the name change, but insiders say it's expected to become official before the next season of Welcome To Wrexham begins airing later this year.
