Magic Johnson's full legal birth name is Earvin Johnson Jr. Born on August 12, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, he earned his legendary moniker "Magic" during his high school basketball days after recording an extraordinary triple-double performance that prompted a local sports reporter to coin the nickname. Despite global fame under his famous nickname, his given name Earvin remains tied to his historic legacy as a five-time NBA champion, Hall of Fame point guard, and legendary sports entrepreneur.