According to his brother Alex Van Halen, there was a particular nickname that Eddie Van Halen despised, a name commonly used by those outside their close-knit family—“Eddie.” This name, while familiar to many, did not sit well with the iconic musician. In a conversation with Talk Is Jericho host Chris Jericho, it was revealed that Eddie was typically addressed as “Ed” by his bandmates, a term that felt more personal. However, to the general public, he was predominantly known as Eddie, a title he found unappealing.

“He hated it,” Alex shared candidly with Jericho. “He was fortunate they didn’t label him with something worse.” This reveals Eddie’s preference for a name that felt more authentic to his identity. “He didn’t prefer it, but it became his name, so to speak,” Alex added, emphasizing that the legendary guitarist favored the more formal name, Edward.

Discover the Significance Behind Eddie Van Halen’s Name

Before diving into the topic of Edward Van Halen disliking the name “Eddie,” Alex reflected on the initial reluctance they experienced regarding the use of their family name for the band. Today, the name Van Halen stands as a powerful brand synonymous with rock music and an exuberant party atmosphere. However, adopting the family name was not an obvious choice at the outset.

Alex recalled, “You can give credit to David Lee Roth, believe it or not. He’s the one who suggested it.” This insight highlights how collaborative efforts were essential in establishing their identity. Years later, as they began to gain recognition, Gene Simmons commented, “It sounds like a shirt company.” He had proposed names like “Virus,” suggesting that a more unique title could resonate better. Despite Simmons’ experience, Alex and the band felt that nothing else suited them. “We stuck with Van Halen,” he confirmed, showcasing their commitment to their roots.

READ MORE: ‘Three or Four LPs’ of Unheard Eddie Van Halen Music Remains

Discussing their feelings about using the Van Halen name, Alex explained, “It felt a bit awkward, almost egotistical. That wasn’t the kind of people Ed and I were. However, we gradually embraced it, and the rest is history.” This evolution reflects their journey from uncertainty to pride in their legacy. Furthermore, offering some historical context about their surname, Alex noted, “The name signifies that we come from a town called Halen. If you look into genealogy, ‘Van’ serves as a prefix, much like ‘Mac’ in Scottish surnames, meaning ‘son of’ or ‘from.’ So, we are indeed from Halen.”

“I attempted to obtain the coat of arms to add another layer to our identity, but Holland wouldn’t allow it,” the drummer mentioned. “You must reside here for a while; you can’t just apply from afar. So, that will have to wait for now.” This adds a personal touch to their story, highlighting their desire to connect with their heritage.

Listen to Alex Van Halen’s Insights on Talk Is Jericho With Chris Jericho