Nauru Proposes Name Change to Naoero: A Return to Indigenous Roots

The government of Nauru has proposed changing the country's official name to Naoero. President David Adeang announced the proposal in a parliamentary speech in January. The parliament passed the proposal without opposition.

A referendum will be held for the nation's approximately 13,000 residents to decide on the change.

Reasoning for the Proposed Change

The government stated that "Naoero" (pronounced Now-ero) is the term used by Nauruans in their own language. The name "Nauru" (pronounced Now-roo) was adopted historically because non-native speakers found the Indigenous name difficult to pronounce.

Officials have stated the change is intended to more faithfully honor the nation's heritage, language, and identity.

"Naoero" (pronounced Now-ero) is the term used by Nauruans in their own language.

Historical Context

• 1798: The island was named "Pleasant Island" by a British seafarer.
• 1888: The name "Nauru" entered official records following German annexation.
• 1919–1968: The spelling remained unchanged under Australian administration.
• 1968–Present: The name persisted after independence.

Other countries and regions have made similar changes to better reflect local languages, including Turkey to Türkiye, Swaziland to Eswatini, and Chuuk (formerly Truk).

Language Status

The Nauruan language (dorerin Naoero) is classified by UNESCO as "severely endangered." Some supporters of the name change view it as a measure that could support language revitalization.

Statements from External Sources

• Zoltán Grossman, professor at Evergreen State College, stated that name changes have been part of colonial power dynamics and that re-Indigenization asserts sovereignty.
• Jordan Engel, founder of the Decolonial Atlas, stated that decolonization concerns self-determination and that using ancestral place names expresses that concept.
• Arcmen Willis, a Nauruan wrestler, stated he supports the change and hopes people will pronounce the new name correctly. He added that the change "doesn't change me" at home.

Arcmen Willis: "It doesn't change me at home."

Government Stance

The Nauruan government declined to comment when approached for additional statements.

Implementation

Some entities in Nauru have already adopted the name Naoero, including the nation's postal service, national health service, and utility provider. The Australian high commission uses both names in its public communications.