Although not all narcissists change their names, many do. Some may change their names multiple times throughout their lives.
Once you understand how narcissists work, the benefits they reap from changing their names become clear. Here are the main reasons why some narcissists change their names…
Unstable SelfImage
Narcissists have an unstable self-image. They bury their true selves to create a false, superior self. But this comes at a cost. Narcissists don’t know who they are.
Narcissists often change their personas to take advantage of what’s happening. They may present completely different personalities in different situations and with different people.
At work, they may be kind and friendly, to ease their way up the career ladder. At home, they may be cold and indifferent, because they can get away with it. With friends, they may be the life of the party.
With all these personality changes, a narcissist may feel lost. Their name changes may reflect this unstable self-image.
Shame
Narcissism is largely a shame-based disorder. This is why they bury their true selves behind a fake facade. They are literally ashamed to be themselves.
Related : How “Toxic Empathy” Plays Into Narcissists Hands
Some narcissists change their names to distance themselves from their previous selves, allowing them to create an entirely new, shame-free persona.
But this may not last forever; the narcissist may accumulate shame because of their new name. So some change their names repeatedly to overcome their shame.
Control
As you know, narcissists are in control. They expect to control relationships and most other aspects of life.
Even though their parents chose a name for them at birth, narcissists had no say in it. This may mean, in their view, that their parents control them. Especially if they don’t identify with themselves.
Some narcissists regain “control” by changing their names, which helps them believe they are omnipotent and completely independent.
Narcissists may also change their names to hurt their parents, or as punishment for a perceived mistake.
Grab Attention
Narcissists may change their names to unusual or bizarre names simply to attract attention. But even if it’s a normal name, the change still raises controversy.
Narcissists may also enjoy people mistaking their new names, giving them the opportunity to reprimand them for their mistakes and allowing them to enjoy watching people act cautiously around them.
Grandiosity
Narcissists may not be satisfied with a normal name that doesn’t reflect their grandiosity, so they may change their names to something more prestigious to reflect their importance.
Some narcissists take this to an extreme, impersonating important public figures, such as doctors, pilots, and others. While they may enjoy the benefits of this stolen status, they enjoy feeding their egos even more.
Related : How Narcissists Avoid Accountability
Some narcissists even name themselves after famous people, perhaps hoping their high status will rub off on them. And even if it doesn’t, they may imagine it!
To Avoid Haunting Their Past
Narcissists realize how difficult it is to manipulate people if they know their reputation. That’s why some narcissists routinely move to new territory, having drained people’s dignity and tarnished their reputations.
Changing names helps prevent their past from being hounded. Because their bad reputations are less likely to come back to haunt them without a fixed name, they are less likely to be.
Rather than changing their behavior, narcissists change their victims. This is easier if they can erase traces of their past. So be wary of anyone who constantly changes their name. They likely have something to hide.
