Originally named 'Li'l Folks', why was the cartoon comic strip name changed to 'Peanuts'?

'Peanuts' was a syndicated American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz (1922-2000). It was launched in 1950, appearing in nine newspapers across the USA. The comic strip focuses entirely on a social circle of young children, where adults exist but are rarely seen or heard. The main character is Charlie Brown, a meek, nervous boy who lacks self-confidence.

'Peanuts' was originally named 'Li'l Folks', a weekly panel comic that appeared in Schulz's hometown paper, the 'St. Paul Pioneer Press' from 1947 to 1950. The name 'Li'l Folks' was very similar to two others comics at the time: Al Capp's 'Li'l Abner' and a comic strip titled 'Little Folks'. To avoid confusion with these similar named comic strips, the syndicate that Schultz sold the cartoon series to (United Feature Syndicate) settled on the name 'Peanuts', after the peanut gallery featured in the 'Howdy Doody' TV show. The title 'Peanuts' was chosen by the syndication editor.

Schulz drew the 'Peanuts' comic strip for nearly 50 years, with no assistants, even in the lettering and coloring process. On January 3, 2000, the final daily original 'Peanuts' comic strip was published. Schultz wrote to his fans underneath the final drawing, expressing his thoughts, "I have been fortunate to draw Charlie Brown and his friends for almost fifty years. It has been the fulfillment of my childhood ambition."