- Categories:
- Fun
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- CrazyObscure
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every February 13
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- 🏷️
Get a Different Name Day arrives every February 13, inviting everyone to playfully consider a new identity. Whether you’ve always dreamed of a different moniker or just want to try one on for size, this is your day. Experiment with a new name on social media, ask friends to call you something new, or research what a legal change might entail.
Want to sponsor Get a Different Name Day? Learn how
Expected Get a Different Name Day Deals
While Get a Different Name Day isn’t typically a commercial holiday, creative brands can still engage. Look for personalized gift companies like Etsy or Zazzle to offer discounts on custom items featuring new names. Social media platforms like Meta (Facebook/Instagram) and X may see users playfully update their profiles. Legal services such as LegalZoom might highlight resources for actual name changes. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 13 approaches.
Platform Guide for Get a Different Name Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #GetADifferentNameDay. Film a ‘reveal’ of your chosen temporary name or share the funniest alternative names you’ve heard.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GetADifferentNameDay. Post a story asking followers to suggest names for you, or create a poll for your favorite new moniker.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #GetADifferentNameDay. Tweet out your temporary new name and challenge your followers to do the same, sharing their reasons.
Get a Different Name Day Hero
Muhammad Ali
History of Get a Different Name Day
Get a Different Name Day was created by Ruth and Tom Roy as a fun holiday. They once said that “On this day, we may change our names to whatever we wish and have the right to expect colleagues, family, and friends to so address us.”
Getting a different name has had its own history and culture throughout the years. It dates back thousands of years ago to when Abraham, a prominent figure in three different major world religions changed his name from ‘Abram,’ which means “exalted father”, to ‘Abraham,’ which means ‘multitude.’ His wife also followed suit by changing her name from Sarai to Sarah. Many name changes are believed to have happened after a life-altering moment.
In many parts of the world, it is customary to change your name on momentous occasions in life. For instance, women typically changed their last names after marriage, however, in current times, many either retain their maiden name or adopt a double-barrel surname with their maiden name and their husband’s surname. A name change can also help people adopt a new identity, especially for some who might have a negative association with their existing name or who are seeking emancipation.
Name-changing not only applies to people but also countries throughout history. Some notable changes include Holland becoming the Netherlands, ancient Ceylon became modern-day Sri Lanka, the Republic of Macedonia became the Republic of North Macedonia, and Czechoslovakia, which became the Czech Republic after splitting up with Slovakia, to name a few.
Get a Different Name Day timeline
Norway authorities mandate people to adopt a family surname.
New Zealand allows its people to change their names by making a statutory declaration as opposed to the prior deed poll.
After the amendment of Articles 376 and 412 of the Civil Code, a change of name or surname is prohibited without a judicial order.
Since recognizing same-sex marriages, South Africa allows one or both partners of the union to change their surnames in the marriage register on their wedding day.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Get a Different Name Day
Local businesses can tap into the playful spirit of Get a Different Name Day by encouraging customers to use a temporary new name for a small discount or a fun prize. Coffee shops could offer a ‘new name’ special, writing creative monikers on cups. Boutiques might host a ‘rename our mannequin’ contest, inviting customers to submit their most imaginative suggestions for a chance to win a gift card. The key is lighthearted engagement that sparks conversation and creativity.
Get a Different Name Day FAQs
When is Get a Different Name Day?
In 2027, Get a Different Name Day is on Saturday, February 13. This weekend placement makes it even easier to try out a new name with friends and family.
How many people legally change their names each year?
The process and frequency of legal name changes remain consistent, with a significant number of individuals opting for a new legal identity each year. Many find the process simpler than anticipated.
What are common reasons people want a different name?
Beyond personal preference, some individuals change their names to avoid negative associations, simplify pronunciation, or adopt a professional moniker. The motivations are as diverse as the names themselves.
Is Get a Different Name Day a real holiday?
While not formally recognized, Get a Different Name Day is part of a growing trend of quirky, unofficial holidays that encourage creativity and community engagement. It’s a day to embrace the power of a name, real or imagined.
How To Celebrate Get A Different Name Day
Change your name for fun
You don’t have to change your name legally to celebrate this day. You can use a different name and ask your friends and family to call you by that for a day or however long you like. You can even make it a family affair or tell your group of friends to change their names for a while if they want to, too!
Throw a costume party
How about not only changing your name but assuming a whole different identity for Get a Different Name Day? Throw a costume party and ask your friends to dress up as a famous personality who might have changed their own name and assumed a stage name. Or you and your friends can dress up as someone you would have loved to be.
File your paperwork for a legal name change
If you have been putting off the paperwork to legally change your name, today is the day to get it done. Fill out that paperwork for a name change and submit it to the relevant authorities.
5 Interesting Facts About Naming Traditions Around The World
Popular first names in the U.K.
Around a decade ago, the most popular boy names in the U.K. were Harry, Oliver, and Jack, and girl names were Amelia, Olivia, and Jessica.
Icelandic names
There is a register of 1,712 male and 1,853 female approved names that Icelandic names must be chosen from.
Spanish surnames
In Spain, babies receive two surnames, the first surnames of both the father and mother.
Indonesians and name changes
Indonesians believe that changing their name when they experience hardship will ward off evil spirits.
Indian names from the stars
In India, babies are typically named according to their horoscopes.
Why We Love National Get A Different Name Day
It helps you get a fresh start
You might be changing your name for various reasons, either for marriage or if you feel like your name doesn’t resonate with you. Changing your name can be liberating and you need not feel guilty for doing so.
Changing names can be fun
Have you ever liked a name so much and wished your parents had given you that name when you were born? Well, you can now fulfill your dream and take that name for yourself on Get A Different Name Day.
Changing names is an important event
It’s not easy letting go of an identity that you have held on to for so long. But changing your name can make you feel like a brand new person and it’s an important life event that deserves to be celebrated.
Get a Different Name Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | February 13 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 13 | Sunday |
| 2029 | February 13 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | February 13 | Wednesday |
| 2031 | February 13 | Thursday |
Social Media Tips for Get a Different Name Day
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