Get a Different Name Day

Get a Different Name Day: A Chance to Reinvent Yourself

Get a Different Name Day is an annual celebration that encourages people to explore new identities by temporarily adopting a different name. This quirky holiday provides an opportunity for individuals to step out of their comfort zones and experience life with a new moniker, even if just for a day.

Quick Facts

When is it?: February 13th
Tagged as: Fun holiday, Personal identity
What’s the hashtag?: #GetADifferentNameDay
When was it founded?: Late 1800s
Who founded it?: Tom and Ruth Roy

History of Get a Different Name Day

Get a Different Name Day was created by Tom and Ruth Roy as a fun holiday to allow people to change their names for a day. The concept of changing names has roots in various cultures and religions, with notable examples like Abraham and Sarah in religious texts.

Timeline

Late 1800s: The holiday is believed to have originated
20th century: The concept gains popularity as a fun, unofficial celebration
21st century: Social media platforms provide new ways to celebrate the day

Get a Different Name Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	February 13	Thursday
2026	February 13	Friday
2027	February 13	Saturday
2028	February 13	Sunday
2029	February 13	Tuesday
2030	February 13	Thursday

Observed: Get a Different Name Day

Get a Different Name Day is celebrated worldwide by people of all ages. It’s a day when individuals can explore alternative identities, try on new personas, or simply have fun with different names.

Many people use this day to experiment with names they’ve always liked or to adopt the name of a favorite character or celebrity. Some even use it as an opportunity to seriously consider a legal name change.

Social media platforms have made it easier for people to participate, allowing users to change their display names for the day and share their experiences with friends and followers.

Fun Facts About Get a Different Name Day

Some people use this day to test out potential new legal names
Schools and workplaces sometimes organize fun activities around this holiday
Celebrities often celebrate by revealing their birth names or past stage names
Name generators have become popular tools for this day
Some people create entire backstories for their new identities

Quiz

On which date is Get a Different Name Day celebrated?
Who created Get a Different Name Day?
What is one way people celebrate this day on social media?
In which century did the holiday originate?
What famous religious figures changed their names?

(Answers: 1. February 13th, 2. Tom and Ruth Roy, 3. Changing display names, 4. Late 19th century, 5. Abraham and Sarah)

FAQs

Can I legally change my name on Get a Different Name Day?
While you can start the process on this day, legal name changes typically require a formal procedure that takes more than one day.

Do I have to change my name for the whole day?
No, you can change your name for as long or short a time as you like. It’s all about having fun!

Can businesses participate in Get a Different Name Day?
Yes, many businesses create special promotions or temporarily rename products for the day.

Is it disrespectful to use a name from another culture?
It’s important to be respectful and avoid cultural appropriation. Stick to names that don’t have deep cultural significance.

Can I celebrate if I like my current name?
Absolutely! You can help friends choose names or simply appreciate the name you have.

Importance of Get a Different Name Day

Get a Different Name Day serves as a reminder of the power of identity and self-expression. It allows people to explore different aspects of themselves and can be a catalyst for personal growth and self-reflection.

For some, this day provides a safe space to experiment with gender identity or cultural connections through names. It can also be a fun way to boost creativity and imagination, especially for children and young adults.

Ultimately, Get a Different Name Day celebrates the diversity of human identity and the freedom to choose how we present ourselves to the world, even if just for a day.