Shaquille O'Neal is a man of many names. The Big Aristotle, Shaq Diesel, Shaq Daddy, Shaq Fu, Big Baryshnikov, Big Shaqtus, Big Fella and of course, Superman. But while you may know the origin of all of those nicknames, do you know what the NBA legend's given name actually means?
Ahead of Shaq's appearance on Saturday's episode of "Oprah's Master Class," OWN released an exclusive first look at Shaq's heart-to-heart interview, sharing a clip of the former Los Angeles Laker telling the emotional story behind his name and the strong bond he shares with his mother.
“My mother is my best friend. My mother had me when she was very young. Her mother was so religious that when she had me out of wedlock, the family kind of turned a cold shoulder. We were alone for a while, just going from place to place
“One day I finally asked my mother, I said, ‘We have Brians and Kennys and Mikes and Gregs in our family, why did you name me Shaquille?’ She said, ‘I wanted to name you something that meant something.’
“My name is Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal. Shaquille is an Islamic name that means ‘little,’ Rashaun means ‘warrior.’ She said, ‘You’re my little warrior. I’ve fought with you, I’ve fought for you.'” (Shaquille O'Neal)
Standing at over seven-feet tall and weighing in at over three-hundred pounds, Shaq turned out to be anything but small. However, looking at all of his accomplishments, you would have to say that the man most certainly has been a Warrior.
The full episode of Oprah's Master Class airs Saturday at 10 pm on OWN.
