If so, what is the workaround? I have a real need for this. Thank.
Dump the existing database and import into a new one.
Yes, it has been deleted, and also refers to Michael's answer above.
http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.1/en/rename-database.html
No. http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.1/en/rename-database.html