Over the course of history, many countries have changed their names, reflecting shifts in political power, independence, cultural identity, or historical re-evaluation. A country’s name is more than just a label. It often embodies the values, history, and aspirations of its people. Changing it is a powerful statement that can mark the end of an era or the beginning of a new one. In this blog post, we shall be looking at some countries that changed their names and the reasons behind them.
Counties That Changed Their Names
Below are some countries that changed their names and the logical reasons why the change was affected.
Burma to Myanmar
One of the more widely known examples is Burma’s change to Myanmar in 1989. The military government made the change shortly after violently suppressing a pro-democracy uprising. The name “Burma” is associated with the country’s colonial past under British rule, whereas “Myanmar” is seen as more inclusive of the country’s many ethnic groups. However, the change has been controversial. Many, including opposition groups, prefer to use “Burma” because they do not recognize the legitimacy of the military regime that instituted the change. The international community remains divided, with some countries adopting “Myanmar” and others sticking with “Burma.”
Ceylon to Sri Lanka
Ceylon officially changed its name to Sri Lanka in 1972, after it became a republic and cut its final constitutional ties with the British monarchy. The name “Ceylon” was a remnant of colonial rule, used by the British after they took control of the island from the Portuguese and Dutch. “Sri Lanka” means “resplendent island” in Sinhala, reflecting the country’s desire to reconnect with its ancient heritage. This name change was part of a broader national movement to assert independence and embrace the country’s rich history and culture, moving away from colonial influences.
Persia to Iran
The name “Persia” had been used for centuries, largely by the West, to refer to the region that is now modern-day Iran. However, in 1935, Reza Shah Pahlavi requested that foreign nations refer to the country as Iran, which is the name the people of the region had always used for their homeland. “Iran” derives from “Aryan,” reflecting the country’s Indo-European heritage. The change was part of the shah’s efforts to modernize the country and distance it from the image of a mystical, ancient land portrayed in Western literature and art.
Zaire to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
In 1971, President Mobutu Sese Seko of the Democratic Republic of the Congo renamed the country “Zaire” in an effort to reassert African identity and eliminate colonial legacies. The name “Zaire” came from a Portuguese corruption of the local name for the Congo River. However, after Mobutu was overthrown in 1997, the country reverted to its original name, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to distance itself from the dictatorship and its negative associations with corruption and repression.
Swaziland to Eswatini
In 2018, Swaziland officially changed its name to Eswatini. King Mswati III announced the change to mark the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from British colonial rule. “Eswatini” means “land of the Swazis” in the Swazi language. The king stated that the name change was part of an effort to reclaim the country’s indigenous identity, as the name “Swaziland” was a blend of Swazi and English. The change was also practical, as it helped reduce confusion with Switzerland, which Swaziland was often mistaken for internationally.
Upper Volta to Burkina Faso
In 1984, Upper Volta, a former French colony in West Africa, changed its name to Burkina Faso under the leadership of revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara. “Burkina Faso” means “land of upright people” in the local Mossi and Dyula languages, symbolizing the country’s commitment to integrity and a new national identity that transcended its colonial past. The change was part of a broader series of social and economic reforms that aimed to empower the country’s population and promote self-sufficiency.
Macedonia to North Macedonia
One of the more recent examples of a country changing its name is the Republic of Macedonia becoming North Macedonia in 2019. The change was the result of a long-standing dispute with Greece, which has a northern region also called Macedonia. Greece objected to the use of the name “Macedonia” by the country, arguing that it implied territorial claims over the Greek region. After years of negotiations, the two countries reached the Prespa Agreement, which allowed the Republic of Macedonia to rename itself North Macedonia, thus resolving the diplomatic dispute and opening the door for the country’s entry into NATO and the European Union.
Also read: Countries That Moved Their Capitals and Reasons Behind the Decision
Conclusion
Changing a country’s name is a profound step that reflects shifts in identity, governance, or historical interpretation. Whether the goal is to shed the remnants of colonialism, reclaim an indigenous heritage, or navigate international diplomacy, a name change can signal a new chapter in a nation’s story. It is more than a rebranding effort—it is a declaration of who the people are and where they aspire to go.
As these examples show, the name of a country is closely tied to its history, culture, and political dynamics. These changes remind us of the power of words and names in shaping national identity and forging new futures.
