In deference to the first family, Ty Inc. has renamed the “Marvelous Malia” and “Sweet Sasha” dolls from its Ty Girlz collection, introducing “Marvelous Mariah” and “Sweet Sydney."

The company had introduced the Malia and Sasha dolls around President Obama's inauguration, with Chief Executive Ty Warner saying the names were inspired by “this historic time in our nation’s history” and not meant to look like Obama’s daughters.

Michelle Obama had said using her daughters' names was inappropriate and responded to the news Tuesday through her press secretary, Katie McCormick Lelyveld: “We appreciate the company’s response to this matter."

Ty Inc., maker of the Beanie Babies dolls, said it would donate profits from the original dolls' sales to charity.

-- Amy Hollyfield