12 Countries That Have Changed Names Multiple Times

The 12 countries featured here have each adopted new official names on multiple occasions, sometimes as a move toward independence, other times to reflect cultural or political change. Their stories reveal how language, power, and history converge when a country decides what to call itself.

1. Iran (formerly Persia and earlier Aryānām)

For centuries, the nation was known as Persia, a name adopted by Westerners from the ancient region of Pars. In 1935, it officially adopted the name Iran, derived from “Aryānām,” meaning “land of the Aryans.” The change reflected a desire to emphasize national heritage and modern identity. Today, both names are still used in cultural contexts, but Iran is the country’s official name.

2. Burkina Faso (formerly Republic of Upper Volta)

When the nation gained independence from France in 1960, it was called the Republic of Upper Volta. In 1984, President Thomas Sankara renamed it Burkina Faso, which means “land of upright people.” The new name combined words from two local languages, Mossi and Dioula. It represented unity, pride, and the rejection of colonial influence.

3. Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon and earlier Serendib)

The island was known as Serendib in ancient times and later called Ceylon by European colonisers. In 1972, it became the Republic of Sri Lanka, meaning “resplendent land” in Sanskrit. The new name marked independence and celebrated its cultural roots. It symbolised the nation’s step away from colonial identity toward self-determination.

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Belgian Congo and Zaire)

This Central African nation was first known as the Congo Free State under King Leopold II, then became Belgian Congo in 1908. It gained independence as the Republic of the Congo in 1960, later renamed Zaire in 1971 under Mobutu Sese Seko. In 1997, it reverted to the Democratic Republic of the Congo after Mobutu’s fall. Each name change reflects a shift in its political and colonial legacy.

5. Thailand (formerly Siam and earlier Ayutthaya Kingdom)

Known as Siam until 1939, the country officially adopted the name Thailand, meaning “land of the free.” It briefly reverted to Siam during World War II before changing back to Thailand in 1949. The new name celebrated independence and unity among its people. This dual transition reflected both pride in tradition and a push for modernisation.

6. Türkiye (formerly Ottoman Empire and later Turkey)

Before becoming the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the region was the seat of the Ottoman Empire. In 2022, the government requested that the international community use the native name Türkiye. The update aligned the English spelling with Turkish pronunciation and cultural authenticity. It represents continuity with history while embracing modern identity.

7. Cabo Verde (formerly Portuguese Cape Verde Islands)

Once referred to as the Cape Verde Islands by European navigators, the nation was known internationally as Cape Verde for centuries. In 2013, it requested that its Portuguese name, Cabo Verde, be used globally. The change reconnected the country to its linguistic and cultural roots. It also simplified its international identity while keeping its heritage intact.

8. Czechia (formerly Czech Republic and earlier Czechoslovakia)

The region was once part of Czechoslovakia before the peaceful split in 1993. The Czech Republic later shortened its name to Czechia in 2016 for international use. The change was intended to make the country’s name easier to use in sports, branding, and diplomacy. Czechia keeps its full legal name while offering a simpler form for everyday references.

9. North Macedonia (formerly Republic of Macedonia and earlier Socialist Republic of Macedonia)

This Balkan nation changed its name several times during its complex history. After Yugoslavia’s breakup, it was known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In 2019, North Macedonia settled a long dispute with Greece. The update paved the way for membership in international organisations and improved regional diplomacy.

10. Eswatini (formerly Swaziland and earlier Swatini Kingdom)

In 2018, King Mswati III announced that Swaziland would henceforth be called the Kingdom of Eswatini. The name means “land of the Swazis” in the native language. It marked the 50th anniversary of independence and a return to pre-colonial identity. The change also reduced confusion with Switzerland in international settings.

11. Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland Protectorate and earlier Bechuanaland)

Under British rule, the area was called the Bechuanaland Protectorate. When it gained independence in 1966, it adopted the name Botswana, derived from the Tswana people. The new name represented self-rule and national unity. Botswana’s transformation showed pride in local heritage and a step away from colonial terminology.

12. Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia and earlier British South Africa Company Territory)

The land that became Zambia was first administered by the British South Africa Company. It became Northern Rhodesia under British colonial rule. When independence came in 1964, it was renamed Zambia, inspired by the Zambezi River. The change celebrated freedom and identity tied to its natural landscape.

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