THE Central Pacific republic of Nauru stands ready to return to its original name – Naoero.
In May, Parliament approved a constitutional amendment – known as Bill 2 of 2026 – which would allow citizens to participate in a referendum on the name change.
President David Adeang tabled the original bill on January 29 and after a 90-day layover.
Adeang acknowledged that “while the name Nauru has been recognised internationally since independence, this proposed change seeks to more faithfully honour our nation’s heritage, our language, and our identity”.
The name change will be reflected across national official records and symbols, official identity regionally and internationally, including at the United Nations.
“It is about dignity. It is about pride. It is about honouring those who came before us,” Adeang said.
Germany annexed Nauru in 1884 after the Western powers agreed to control of islands and territories at the Berlin Conference. Nauru became part of the German Marshall Islands Protectorate. German rule established peace by ending a civil war.
Samoa and part of modern day Papua New Guinea were also German territories until British intervention at the beginning of World War I in 1914.
Great Britain and later Australia took possession of Nauru to control its rich phosphate deposits. Independence was returned to the territory in January 1968.
Adeang said other countries had changed their names and Nauru was no exception. The government has not announced a date for a national referendum.
