[Homer_J_Simpson]

The name Virginia never took root in the public mind, it would seem. As long as I can remember the duel was said to be between the Monitor and the Merrimac. I just prepped an article about the battle from a week after the battle titled “The Monitor and the Merrimac.”

[Forward the Light Brigade]

The CSS Virginia Name was stuck on her at the last minute—most people—even the sailors who served on her—called her the Merrimac.

[Locomotive Breath]

The Monitor and the Merrimac

Let's just say that the victors write the history.

See also Manassas vs. Bull Run and about 100 other examples.