Get A Different Name Day

Divya Raghav
Dec 22, 2023 By Divya Raghav
Originally Published on Feb 18, 2022
Fact-checked by Pratiti Nath
Do you know that some people change their middle or family name just for fun? We remember this on the Get A Different Name Day.

Where is Get A Different Name Day celebrated?

Get A Different Name Day is celebrated worldwide.

Who celebrates Get A Different Name Day?

Get A Different Name Day is celebrated by all those around the world who want want to adopt a different name.

When did Get A Different Name Day start?

The exact time when this day started is unknown.

Who started Get A Different Name Day?

Ruth and Thomas Roy founded Get A Different Name Day.

History And Timeline

Every year on February 13, Get A Different Name Day is honored. A name is a phrase that is used to identify someone. It could be a single word or a group of words used to identify, address, or refer to a person, animal, or item.

Our names frequently define us. But, regrettably, most of our names are not chosen by us, and we must live with them regardless of our feelings about them. Instead, our names are conferred to us by our parents.

It is usual in many regions of the globe to change your birth names following significant life events. Women, for example, used to change their last names after marriage, but nowadays, many either keep their maiden names or choose a double-barrel surname that includes both their maiden name and their husband's surname.

A new name may also aid in adopting a new identity, particularly for anyone who has a negative relationship with their birth name or is seeking freedom.

Throughout history, individuals and even nations have had their names changed. Holland became the Netherlands, Ceylon became modern-day Sri Lanka, the Republic of Macedonia became the Republic of North Macedonia, and Czechoslovakia became the Czech Republic after breaking up with Slovakia.

God Changed Abraham's Name

Famous in three major global faiths, God changed Abraham's name from Abram, which means 'exalted father,' to Abraham, which roughly means 'multitude.'

Unknown

Norway - Surnames Given To Families

The government in Norway required that individuals take up a surname from their family.

1923

Statutory Declaration For Name Change - New Zealand

In New Zealand, persons altered their names by submitting a statutory declaration instead of the previous deed poll method used.

1995

Backrub To Google

In 1996, Stanford's students Sergey Brin and Larr developed a new web crawling search engine named 'BackRub.' However, the name wasn't very appealing to them. Hence, they brainstormed on a few ideas before settling on 'Google.'

1997

Civil Code Of The Philippines

Following the modification of Articles 376 and 412 of the Civil Code, altering one's given name or surname was unlawful without obtaining a court ruling.

2001

South African Names - Same-Sex Couples

The South African government allowed one or both parties of same-sex marriage to alter their surnames in the marriage record on the day of their wedding since recognizing same-sex weddings.

2006

Stats And Facts

  • This day is celebrated on February 13 every year.
  • Ruth and Thomas Roy created this event as a delightful holiday.
  • On this day, people expect colleagues, family, and friends to address them by a different name.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Get A Different Name Day

Even if you aren't looking for a new legal name, you may still celebrate this enjoyable day. The following ideas might be used to commemorate Get A Different Name Day:

Throw a bash: Consider various movie stars (or other well-known personalities) who have changed their names and organized a costume party in their honor, with everyone dressed up as a favorite. Marilyn Monroe, Jamie Foxx, Tom Roy, Madonna, and Elton John are just a few celebrities who changed their names.

The artist previously known Prince is a one-of-a-kind example of his name being transformed into a symbol.

Make contact with a friend: Get A Different Name Day is a terrific occasion to name cards or take someone out to lunch if you know a person in your life who has altered their name on account of marriage, adoption, or another reason. For a bit of fun on dates, try out a new name.

What's impressive about this day is that it doesn't even need a legal name change.

You might opt to use a different one for the day. All it takes is a straightforward request from friends and colleagues to shake things up a little.

While picking a new name, it's important to make sure it's popular.

This is useful when, before starting legal action, you are presented with a chance to try on a new name to see whether it fits. You can even get called by a funky nickname when you go on dates with someone.

Change your legal name: Don't be scared to go all out and pay to get your name officially changed. In most countries, changing one's name is a legal procedure that must be handled via the courts, although it usually just takes filing a simple form and paying a minor fee to change your name legally.

Who developed the idea of Get A Different Name Day?

Ruth and Tom Roy created and developed the holiday Get A Different Name Day to have a good time and have fun in this world.

They once declared that on Get A Different Name Day, they have the freedom to alter their names to anything they like, with the expectation that their colleagues, family, and friends would call them in this manner.

When Is This Day Celebrated

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    Written by Divya Raghav

    Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration

    Divya Raghav picture

    Divya RaghavBachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration

    With a diverse range of experience in finance, administration, and operations, Divya is a diligent worker known for her attention to detail. Born and raised in Bangalore, she completed her Bachelor's in Commerce from Christ University and is now pursuing an MBA at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore. Along with her professional pursuits, Divya has a passion for baking, dancing, and writing content. She is also an avid animal lover who dedicates her time to volunteering for animal welfare causes.

    Read full bio >
    Fact-checked by Pratiti Nath

    Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology, Masters of Science specializing in Biotechnology

    Pratiti Nath picture

    Pratiti NathBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology, Masters of Science specializing in Biotechnology

    A Master's in Biotechnology from Presidency University and a Bachelor's in Microbiology from Calcutta University. Pratiti holds expertise in writing science and healthcare articles, and their inputs and feedback help writers create insightful content. They have interests in heritage, history, and climate change issues and have written articles for various websites across multiple subjects. Their experience also includes working with eco-friendly startups and climate-related NGOs.

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