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Get ready to celebrate Get a Different Name Day on Feb. 13, when you can legally change your name or simply make use of an alias! This day has been around since the late 1800s and is meant to encourage people to expand their horizons and explore different names they could take on as part of their identity. Whether it's for fun or something more serious, Get a Different Name Day is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for some adventure in life!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Late 1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of the Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>The tradition of Get a Different Name Day begins, providing an opportunity for people to explore new identities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Women's Suffrage Movement</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the women's suffrage movement, many women adopt pseudonyms to write and advocate for women's rights, adding significance to Get a Different Name Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Witness Protection Program</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Witness Protection Program is established in the United States, further underlining the significance of name changing.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Official Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Get a Different Name Day gets official recognition as a fun and quirky holiday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Social Media Influence</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday gains popularity on social media platforms, leading to an increase in name change activities online.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write a short story or poem featuring a character who has a different name than their given name. Get creative and explore the possibilities of why they chose to go by something different.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a new persona</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create an alter ego for yourself, complete with a new name. This can be fun to do with friends too, and you can come up with fun backstories for your new personas.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore new names</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look up some baby name books or websites and explore new names that you’d like to have. You might even find a few family members or friends who might like to switch up their names too.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make an alias</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create an online alias or nickname that you can use on social media and other websites. If you’re feeling daring, you could even make business cards with the new name.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Invent a pseudonym</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invent a pen name for yourself in order to write under a different persona. It could be something simple like your middle name and last initial, or something more elaborate.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's Fun</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Getting a different name day is great fun for adults and children alike. Whether you choose to give yourself an entirely new name or put a twist on your current one, it can be an entertaining way to bring more excitement into the everyday. What better excuse to repurpose your favorite pet names than on this festive day!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Be Creative</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Get creative with your chosen new name - why not add some alliteration or incorporate elements of pop culture? Even if it’s only for one day, changing up how people address you can be empowering and make you feel special. It’s also a good chance to practice wordplay and come up with original nicknames for friends and family too!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's Inclusive</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Finally, Get A Different Name Day celebrates diversity and inclusiveness. No matter who you are or where you’re from, anyone can take part in this day with a humorous name change. Moreover, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding a new name which makes it perfect for everyone!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>You Can Legally Change Your Name</h3><p class='facts-content'>Apart from Get a Different Name Day, you can legally change your name for any reasons, as long as it's not for fraudulent or illegal purposes. The process varies by country and often requires a court order.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cultural Impact on Names</h3><p class='facts-content'>Cultural, geographical, and historical contexts often influence the choice of names. This is why names vary widely across different cultures and regions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Numerous Celebrities Have Changed Their Names</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many famous personalities have changed their names for stage presence, easier pronunciation, or simply to reinvent themselves. Examples include Elton John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight), Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson), and others.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Name Can Influence Perception</h3><p class='facts-content'>Numerous studies have shown that a person's name can influence other people's perception of their personality, attractiveness, ethnicity, age, and can even impact job prospects.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Names Have Meanings</h3><p class='facts-content'>Most names have meanings or are rooted in certain words, traits, or occupations. When picking a new name, its meaning and origin can add a layer of significance.</p></div></div>
Get a Different Name Day is celebrated on February 13 every year. In 2024 Get a Different Name Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Feb 13
Monday
2024
Feb 13
Tuesday
2025
Feb 13
Thursday
2026
Feb 13
Friday
2027
Feb 13
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