The world’s smallest republic, Nauru, is set to undergo a significant transformation as it considers renaming itself Naoero. This move is intended to honor the nation’s Indigenous heritage and move beyond its colonial past.
Parliamentary Approval and Referendum
After Nauru’s parliament unanimously passed a proposal in January, a referendum will be held for the island’s approximately 11,000 residents to decide whether to adopt the new name officially. President David Adeang stated that the change would “more faithfully honour our nation’s heritage, our language, and our identity.”
Meaning and Pronunciation of Naoero
Naoero, pronounced Now-ero, is the term Nauruans use in their own language. The current name, Nauru (pronounced Now-roo), became official because foreign tongues could not properly pronounce the Indigenous name. The government noted that the original name was “changed not by our choice, but for convenience.”
Historical Context
The remote island, located about 3,000 kilometers northeast of Australia and spanning 21 square kilometers, has a history of name changes. In 1798, British seafarers christened it “Pleasant Island.” After German annexation in 1888, the name Nauru entered official records, with variants like Nawodo and Navoda Onawero also used. Under Australian administration from 1919, the spelling Nauru persisted, even after independence in 1968.
Colonial Power and Name Changes
Scholars of Indigenous placenames emphasize that such changes are not merely about spelling. Zoltán Grossman, a professor of geography and Native American studies, notes that changing placenames has been an integral part of colonialism to erase the presence of original peoples. The re-Indigenisation of placenames reflects how formerly colonised peoples assert their sovereignty.
Global Precedents
Nauru’s government points to other countries that have changed their official names to better reflect local language, such as Türkiye (formerly Turkey) and Eswatini (Swaziland). Nearby Chuuk, once known as Truk, also changed its name. Jordan Engel of the Decolonial Atlas observes a growing momentum to use Indigenous placenames for landmarks and places, viewing it as an expression of self-determination.
Challenges and Support
Name changes are not always straightforward. A petition to change New Zealand’s name to Aotearoa gathered over 70,000 signatures but sparked parliamentary rows. Nauru’s government declined to comment on the potential change. However, Arcmen Willis, a Nauruan wrestler who has represented the country internationally, supports the change and hopes people will pronounce the new name correctly. He says, “It’s good to keep our identity, because once it’s gone, there will be no more Nauru or Naoero.”
Language Preservation
UNESCO classifies Nauruan as “severely endangered.” Engel believes a name change to Naoero can help protect the language for future generations, playing a role in language revitalisation and cultural continuity. While the change may take time to become official, the name Naoero has already been adopted by the postal service, national health service, and utility provider. The Australian high commission uses both names in public communications.
For Nauruans like Willis, the change matters most in international recognition. At home, he says, “I feel the same, because it’s only the name change. It doesn’t change me.”
