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The argument that Jesus didn't rename Simon is novel to me. (if you can give me a link to a more detailed apologetic, I would appreciate it.)

Nevertheless, the argument doesn't seem to hold. If Simon "Rock" was known as Simon "Rock" beforehand, why would Jesus say "You will be called 'Rock'"?

However, if John is simply giving context to his readers by identifying which particular Simon he is writing about, then the words of Jesus make sense.

Secondly, is there any historical evidence that Peter was a common name at the time? My understanding is that it would have been blasphemous (as "Rock" was a metaphor reserved for God) and therefore extremely unlikely. This also underscores that the act of Jesus renaming Simon is highly significant (which was biblically significant to begin with because renaming indicates claiming).

...give me a link to a more detailed apologetic...

You don't NEED one!!

Are you not capable of READING the Scripture for yourself?

1 Corinthians 2:12-13
12. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
13. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

2 Corinthians 1:13-14
13. For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that,
14. as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.

John 6:45
It is written in the Prophets: `They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.

Not.. "..taught by an apologetic..." Do ALL of the many OT references to Rock just fly by blind eyes and not sink into the understanding???

This verse is TRUE!!!!

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.