I once read that in the 1930’s, one of the animators for Warner Bros. was working on a prototype rabbit character. The animator was named Ben (nicknamed “Bugs”) Hardaway.
A model sheet for the character was labeled “Bugs’ Bunny”—as in, the bunny belonging to Bugs (Hardaway). The name stuck to the character we know as Bugs Bunny today. The name wasn’t given purposely, but by association.
This is the correct answer. As Hardaway's rabbit sketch made the rounds about the studio, people began to refer to it as "Bugs's Bunny". Eventually, the possessive was dropped and the name Bugs Bunny just stuck.
I once read that in the 1930’s, one of the animators for Warner Bros. was working on a prototype rabbit character. The animator was named Ben (nicknamed “Bugs”) Hardaway.
A model sheet for the character was labeled “Bugs’ Bunny”—as in, the bunny belonging to Bugs (Hardaway). The name stuck to the character we know as Bugs Bunny today. The name wasn’t given purposely, but by association.
Ah, the ole GUY.BRUSH switcheroo
You were alive in the 1930s and able to read. Amazing.
Sounds like your own reading comprehension still isn't so great in 2025, because that's not what they said.
Indeed.
I meant it as a joke and clearly didn’t see the that. I didn’t mean any offence to OP.
Ah, sorry, I thought you meant it as an insult. Guess I've spent too much time on reddit lol.
It’s cool. It appears most people did looking at the downvotes.
The animator
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Hardaway
This is the correct answer. As Hardaway's rabbit sketch made the rounds about the studio, people began to refer to it as "Bugs's Bunny". Eventually, the possessive was dropped and the name Bugs Bunny just stuck.
Navigation difficulties in the vicinity of Albuquerque, NM
finally, a correct answer
Rabbits are prolific reproducers. Bugs Bunny has VD.
I'm thinking a bunch of bees in a rabbit skin?
Could be a reference to Bugsy Malone.
Bugsy Malone was written in 1973.
I'd forgotten that Bugsy Malone was fictional version of Bugs Moran (and Al Capone and all).
Bugs Moran
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugs_Moran