A New York City man whose first name is God has settled a lawsuit with a credit reporting agency that had refused to recognise his name as legitimate.

Under the agreement reached in Brooklyn federal court this week, Equifax will enter God Gazarov's name into its database. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Mr Gazarov now has a robust 820 credit score.

He says he was shocked by Equifax's refusal to acknowledge his moniker.

The Russian native is a Brooklyn jewellery store owner who is named after his grandfather. He says it's a relatively common name in his native country.

He told the New York Post he is relieved the matter has been settled and plans to buy a new BMW.

Lawyers for Equifax declined to comment.