List Of 10 Countries That Changed Their Names: Thailand, Bangladesh And Others

Countries That Renamed Themselves:  Countries across the globe have many times changed their names for several reasons, from political shift and cultural identity to even due to historical background. The changes usually mark the country's historical milestones, like becoming independent, restoring indigenous roots, or redefining its position in the world dynamics. Renaming a nation can be a powerful symbol of change and patriotism. To know more, here’s a list of 10 countries that changed their names, along with their significance, former names and years they renamed themselves, according to the World Population Review. 

List Of 10 Countries That Changed Their Names:

1. Iran (Persia) – 1935

Persia became Iran officially in 1935 under Reza Shah Pahlavi. The name change was a conscious attempt to highlight the nation's indigenous identity, as Iran, which is referred to as the Land of the Aryans. Reza Shah wanted to modernise the country and break away from the colonial and archaic connotations associated with the former name, Persia. 

Name Change By Country 2025 (Image Credit: Canva)

2. Thailand (Siam) – 1948

Thailand was previously referred to as Siam until 1948. The change of name was intended to express the nation's national identity as well as its cultural heritage. Thailand translates to the Land of the Free, which showcases the nation's status as the sole Southeast Asian state, which was never conquered by a Western power.

Name Change By Country 2025 (Image Credit: Canva)

3. Bangladesh (East Pakistan) – 1971

Bangladesh was referred to as East Pakistan until independence was achieved in 1971 after a fierce liberation war. The change in nomenclature marked the beginning of a new country, separate from Pakistan, with its own political identity, culture, and language.

Name Change By Country 2025 (Image Credit: Canva)

4. Sri Lanka (Ceylon) – 1972

Ceylon was renamed Sri Lanka in 1972 when it was converted into a republic. The name Sri Lanka means the Resplendent Island, which captures the rich history and cultural identity of the nation, and keeps it separated from the colonial heritage of the British name Ceylon.

Name Change By Country 2025 (Image Credit: Canva)

5. Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) – 1980

Rhodesia was a former colony of Britain and was renamed Zimbabwe after independence in 1980. The name Zimbabwe refers to the Great Zimbabwe ruins, which represent the African heritage of the country and the end of British rule.

Name Change By Country 2025 (Image Credit: Canva)

6. Myanmar (Burma) – 1989

Burma also officially renamed itself as Myanmar in 1989 by the country's ruling military regime. The name is more about the nation's ethnic groups, even though the name change is still controversial in international affairs.