Changing Your Island Name in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

When starting Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players are given the opportunity to name their island. This choice becomes permanent and cannot be changed during normal gameplay.

As island development progresses, many players begin to reconsider their original name, especially after establishing a clear theme or layout. However, unlike furniture or decorations, the island name cannot be changed later.

Can You Change Your Island Name?

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there is currently no official way to change an island's name after it has been set. Once confirmed at the beginning of the game, the island name becomes permanently tied to the save data.

The only official alternative is deleting the existing save and starting a new island, which also removes all progress, villagers, and collected items. 

Why Island Names Cannot Be Changed

Island names are used across multiple game systems, including online interactions and player visits. Allowing name changes would require syncing this information across different connections, which is why Nintendo does not support renaming islands after they are created.

For the same reason, villager names also remain unchanged during regular gameplay.

How to "Change" It (The Hard Way)

• Go to your Nintendo Switch Settings.
• Navigate to Data Management > Delete Save Data.
• Select Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• Confirm by choosing Delete All Save Data for This Software.
• Launch the game and start a new island, choosing your new name carefully this time.

For most players, this is not a practical solution, but it is the only official method to set a new island name.

What Players Should Consider Before Naming an Island

Since island names cannot be changed later, players are encouraged to choose carefully at the beginning. A name that matches the island's long-term theme or style can enhance immersion and make the island more recognizable when shared with other players.

Summary

While many aspects of island life in Animal Crossing: New Horizons are highly customizable, the island name is a permanent choice. Understanding this limitation early helps players avoid unnecessary restarts and focus on building an island they enjoy.