abstract
| - The name is the thing, and the true name is the true thing -- so if the name changes... Some names have obvious meanings. But often, this is done when it is not the original name for the person, place or object, but rather, a new one given by someone or assumed. Renaming oneself can often signify casting aside an old identity, especially if one wishes to part with a particular aspect of oneself. Other times, they may take on the new name in order to reflect a change in their personality or role in life. Renaming someone or something else often is used to claim ownership or to dictate that person or thing's purpose. In the case of this trope, such a renaming is intentional, generally symbolic, and the characters often state their reasons for the renaming. May feature as a routine part of Rite of Passage. Compare That Man Is Dead, when a character disavows his or her old name without necessarily accepting a new one. Also compare The Magnificent, which is tacked on to the existing name -- whether given or self-ascribed. Egopolis, where a despot renames an entire city after himself, is a subtrope. Please Select New City Name usually falls under this. See also The Maiden Name Debate. Examples of Meaningful Rename include:
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