Which Countries Changed Name?

If you’ve glanced through an alphabetical list of nations recently, you might have noticed some new names popping up, so Which Countries Changed Name in the last 100 years?

This isn’t a mere clerical update; it’s a reflection of deeper social, cultural, and political shifts within these countries. Here’s a peek into the narratives of the latest countries that opted for a name change, which often signifies a redefinition of national identity or international relations.

The Most famous Countries in the world that re-named recently

The Netherlands: Shedding a Nickname

Formerly known in some contexts as Holland, The Netherlands officially discarded this nickname in 2020. This change was part of a broader effort to refine the country’s image beyond just the regions of North and South Holland, which include cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. This shift aims to promote a more inclusive representation of the entire country in international arenas​.

Republic of North Macedonia: A Diplomatic Renaming

The Republic of Macedonia transformed into the Republic of North Macedonia in 2019. This renaming was a strategic move to resolve a longstanding dispute with Greece, which has a region also named Macedonia. The change paved the way for North Macedonia’s entry into international bodies like NATO, showcasing how a name can play a pivotal role in diplomatic relations​.

Eswatini: Reclaiming Heritage

In a striking nod to its cultural heritage, the nation formerly known as Swaziland announced its new name, Eswatini, in 2018 during its 50th independence anniversary celebrations. This name, which translates to “land of the Swazis,” reflects a return to pre-colonial traditions and a step away from colonial legacies​.

Czechia: A Modern Trim

Although officially recognized by the UN in 2016, the name Czechia is still struggling to gain traction over its predecessor, the Czech Republic. This shorter, more succinct name is part of an ongoing effort to streamline the nation’s branding on the international stage, although it has met with mixed reactions domestically.

Turkey: not the Thanksgiving dinner animal

Turkey officially changed its name to “Türkiye” in 2022 as part of an initiative by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This change was aimed at rebranding the country and better reflecting its culture, civilization, and values on the international stage. The move to use “Türkiye” was also seen as a way to reclaim a more authentic representation of the nation’s identity, distancing itself from previous anglicizations of the name

Full List of the countries that changed name in last 100 years

If you want to really know then full list, here you go you have it sorted in alphabetic order by country name with the year when the name change happened.

These changes aren’t just about a new set of letters on a passport or a map; they’re about nations redefining how they’re seen and understood on the world stage. Whether it’s about enhancing tourism, easing international relations, or reclaiming historical identities, these name changes are deeply symbolic acts.