14 Places That Changed Names Three Times
Cities and areas have changed their names over history to reflect changing national identities, cultural influences, and political power. These changes narrate intriguing tales of development, freedom, and conquest.
This is a list of fourteen amazing locations worldwide that have undergone three name changes. Every change signifies a new phase in their extensive pasts.
Constantinople
This iconic city began as Byzantium, a modest Greek colony. Roman Emperor Constantine transformed it into Constantinople, making it the eastern capital of his empire.
The magnificent city stood as the Byzantine capital until Ottoman forces captured it. The Turks later adopted the name Istanbul, which became official when Turkey standardized postal codes.
St. Petersburg
Founded by Peter the Great, this Russian city was his “window to Europe” built on swampland. The government changed its name to Petrograd to sound less German during wartime.
After Lenin’s death, Soviet authorities renamed it Leningrad to honor him. The city returned to its original name after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Ho Chi Minh City
Once called Prey Nokor under the Khmer Empire, this settlement was later taken over by Vietnamese settlers. The French renamed it Saigon during their colonial rule.
After the Vietnam War, the city was renamed in honor of revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. The name change marked the unification of the country.
Mumbai
This Indian port began as seven islands known as Bom Bahia by Portuguese explorers. The British anglicized the name to Bombay and built it into a trading hub.
The local government later renamed it Mumbai after the Hindu goddess Mumbadevi. This was part of a broader movement to replace colonial names with indigenous ones.
Volgograd
Originally founded as Tsaritsyn, this Russian city served as a southern fortress. The Bolsheviks renamed it Stalingrad to honor Joseph Stalin.
After a decisive World War battle, the city gained fame worldwide. During de-Stalinization, the name was changed to Volgograd to reflect the nearby river.
Beijing
China’s capital was originally called Ji during the Western Zhou period. It became Dadu under the Yuan Dynasty and later Beijing under the Ming.
The name changed to Beiping during the Republican era. The Communist government restored the name Beijing upon founding the People’s Republic.
Kyiv
Named for its legendary founder Kyi, this city was once capital of Kievan Rus. Under Russian rule, it was spelled and pronounced as Kiev.
Following Ukraine’s independence, the government promoted the native spelling Kyiv. Over time, this version gained official international recognition.
Yangon
This city began as a small fishing village called Dagon. After King Alaungpaya’s conquest, it was renamed Yangon, meaning “End of Strife.”
The British later called it Rangoon and made it their colonial capital. After independence, the military government reinstated the name Yangon.
Oslo
Founded as Oslo by King Harald Hardrada, the city was destroyed by fire and rebuilt as Christiania. The spelling was later changed to Kristiania to reflect Norwegian language norms.
The original name Oslo was restored in a national identity movement. It symbolized a return to cultural roots.
Jakarta
This Indonesian capital began as Sunda Kelapa, a port of the Sunda Kingdom. Muslim forces renamed it Jayakarta, meaning “Victorious Deed.”
Dutch colonizers transformed it into Batavia as their regional headquarters. After independence, it was renamed Jakarta to reflect its heritage.
Chennai
Originally a group of villages known as Madraspatnam, this city became Madras under British rule. It served as a major urban center during the colonial period.
In a wave of post-colonial changes, the name was officially changed to Chennai. The new name honored a local ruler who had allowed British settlement.
Chongqing
This city was once known as Jiangzhou during the Han Dynasty and Gongzhou under the Southern Song. It became Chongqing, meaning “Double Celebration,” under Emperor Guangzong.
During the Republic of China period, it was romanized as Chungking. The current name Chongqing was restored under the modern Pinyin system.
Kinshasa
Originally a trading post called Ntamo, the city was renamed Léopoldville by a European explorer. It served as the capital during colonial rule.
After independence, the city was renamed Kinshasa. The name came from a nearby village and was part of a decolonization campaign.
Kaliningrad
Founded as Königsberg by the Teutonic Knights, the city was named for a Bohemian king. It became a center of German culture and scholarship.
After World War, the Soviet Union annexed it and renamed it Kaliningrad. The German population was expelled and replaced with Soviet citizens.
The Evolution of Identity
Name changes are rarely just administrative choices. They reflect the deeper tides of politics, culture, and national identity.
From ancient trading ports to modern capitals, these cities bear the marks of history. Their evolving names remind us that identity is always in motion.
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