Creed's original name was Naked Toddler.
The band, which later rose to prominence as Creed, initially performed under the moniker Naked Toddler. This initial name, however, proved to be controversial and poorly received. According to singer Scott Stapp, as detailed in his autobiography, the name "didn't go over well," with "girls hated it and said it made them think of pedophilia." This strong negative reaction made it clear that a change was necessary for the band to gain wider acceptance and focus on their music without the stigma attached to their name.
The Transition to "Creed"
Following the rejection of "Naked Toddler," the band sought a new, more fitting identity. They eventually decided on "Creed." This name was adopted as a shortened version derived from the name of bassist Brian Marshall's previous musical group, Mattox Creed. This strategic name change allowed the band to move past the issues of their original name and establish the identity under which they would achieve significant commercial success.
The evolution of the band's name can be summarized as follows:
Name | Context |
---|---|
Naked Toddler | The original name of the band that would become Creed. It was met with significant negative feedback, particularly from female audiences who associated it with pedophilia. |
Mattox Creed | The name of bassist Brian Marshall's previous band. This name served as the inspiration for the new, shortened moniker. |
Creed | The name ultimately adopted by the band, a shortened form of "Mattox Creed," which allowed them to establish a more widely accepted and professional identity. This is the name they became famous under. |
This shift from a controversial name to one inspired by a band member's past provided a solid foundation for their future success and public image.