What reasons might people have for changing their names?

Do any of these name changes surprise you? Why?

Most of the people on this list are celebrities. Why do you think these people might have changed their names as they became more recognizable? What image might they have been trying to convey?

The last two names on the list are of people who were emancipated from slavery after the Civil War. Why might they have chosen to change their names?

How are names related to our personal histories? How might they be related to our national history?

Are names the same as who we are? How much of you changes when your name changes?

They want to protect themselves or others, maybe even to sound more fun.

I think Nicki Monja surprised me because I like her real name Onika sounds good.

They changed their names to sound American or not get laughter at them.

They probably changed their names so they could be safer or not reminded of it.

Names are related to our history because it could be where our roots come from.

Yes, I think names are the same as who we are. A lot of you changes when you change your name, you almost forget it. It could also be your roots.

I think people might change their name for several reason, for example, to distance themselves from a difficult or negative past, or to fit in better with a culture or language, or because they simply prefer a different name.

No, I don't think it's surprising any of these celebrities changed their names. Maybe some celebrities don't like their birth name and feel more comfortable with a new name.

I think the reason why celebrities might have changed their names is because having a unique name may be important for them to stand out and create a successful brand. Overall, I think changing their name may help celebrities manage their image and present themselves to the public in the way they want.

I believe that the main reason why freed people changed their names was to separate themselves from the trauma of slavery and reclaim their identities. After being denied the right to their own name for so long, changing it was a way for them to recover their freedom and lives.

Names are connected to our personal history because they might give us a sense of identity, belonging, and connection to the past. Many people, for example, are named after family members or ancestors, which connects them to their ancestors and heritage. Names may also have significant cultural and historical meanings, such as known persons, events, or traditions. Names can also represent cultural or political ideals when thinking of national history. Some names, for example, are common in specific nations or regions because they represent the values and beliefs of those places.

While our names are connected to our identities, they do not completely define who we are. Sure, names impact how we view ourselves and how others see us, but our actual identities go beyond our names. Still, even if someone changes their name, the person they are on the inside stays the same.