changed its name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "changed its name" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an organization, company, or entity that has officially adopted a new name. Example: "The company changed its name to reflect its new mission and vision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It changed its name in 2014.

The Guardian

It changed its name this week from "Euro-11".

The Economist

It changed its name to Bombardier Limited in 1967.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It changed its name to American Brands, Inc., in 1969.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1966 it changed its name to Program Planners Inc.

The New York Times

It changed its name last year to Psychopharm Review.

The New York Times - Health

In 1986, it changed its name to USX.

Forbes

It changed its name from WellPoint last year.

Los Angeles Times

As the kingdom expanded, it changed its name to Silla.

Wikipedia

It later changed its name to HVM.

The New York Times

If "luxury" changed its name — what should it be called?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a formal entity that has changed its name, ensure you also include the original name for clarity and historical context.

Common error

Avoid only mentioning that something "changed its name" without stating what the new name is. Always provide both the old and new names for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "changed its name" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that an entity has adopted a different name than it previously held. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that this phrase is commonly used to describe such transitions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "changed its name" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that an entity has adopted a new name. Ludwig AI validates its common usage across various contexts, from news and encyclopedias to wikis. When using this phrase, it's advisable to include both the original and new names for clarity. While alternatives like "was renamed to" or "rebranded itself" exist, "changed its name" remains a direct and widely understood way to communicate this information. Its neutrality makes it suitable for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was renamed to

Puts the focus on the action of renaming rather than the entity performing the action.

became known as

Focuses on the result of the name change and how the entity is currently recognized.

adopted a new moniker

Uses 'moniker' instead of 'name', implying a nickname or less formal designation.

assumed a different title

Uses 'title' instead of 'name', suggesting a more formal or official designation.

rebranded itself as

Emphasizes a marketing or image overhaul in addition to a simple name change.

took on a new designation

Uses 'designation' for a slightly more formal or official tone than 'name'.

transitioned to a new identity

Implies a broader shift beyond just the name, encompassing the entity's overall image or purpose.

switched its title to

More informal way of saying it had a name change.

revised its naming convention to

Suggests that it was not only a name change, but it also revised the way it was named.

called itself something else

More colloquial way to say that the entity changed its name.

FAQs

What's the difference between "changed its name" and "rebranded itself"?

"Changed its name" simply means an entity adopted a new name. "Rebranded itself" implies a more comprehensive shift in image, marketing, and overall identity, which may or may not include a name change.

What can I say instead of "changed its name"?

You can use alternatives like "was renamed to", "adopted a new moniker", or "became known as depending on the context.

Is it necessary to mention the previous name when something "changed its name"?

While not always required, including the previous name provides valuable context and avoids potential confusion, especially when discussing historical events or entities. Omitting the prior name can cause confusion.

How to use "changed its name" in a sentence?

You can use "changed its name" to indicate that an organization or entity has adopted a new name: "The organization "changed its name" in 2014."