Wicca is all about personal transformation. (NOT transforming enemies into frogs! *grin*) Many people like the idea of choosing a new name to represent the new person they wish to become. The whole idea is that, by choosing to follow this new path in life, you become a better person. A Wiccan will often choose a name, often referred to as a "magickal name", to reflect this new identity.
Sometimes a name will be chosen at the very beginning of their journey. As a new seeker, a new name can help one to clarify their intention to lead a new life with a new outlook.
Some choose a new name only after studying for the traditional "year and a day". The new name is then adopted at the initiation ceremony, to mark the rite of passage from Seeker to Initiate.
Others choose a new name to mark some major, significant, life-altering event in their lives. A name taken under these circumstances is a recognition that the person is no longer the same as they were before.
Some people have a name that they share freely with everyone they meet. Others will choose a magickal name that is known only to those within their Coven. Some people have both. Many Wiccans never choose a magickal name at all.
If you decide that taking on a magickal name is for you, choose a name carefully. "It sounded cool" is a poor reason for choosing a magickal name. It should be a name that reflects some deeper aspect of yourself. Once you've found a name that you feel suits you, wait on it for awhile. See if you still like it as much in a few weeks. (Impulse naming will land you with a name that you quickly tire of.)
If you feel that you've found a name that really expresses your inner self, then have a naming ceremony. This can be done in any way you like, as long as you announce your name to the universe, and it feels official to you. You can also change your name to reflect your own personal growth, but people who change names as often as they change shoes are often looked on as not taking their spiritual pursuits very seriously. After all, it's supposed to express your identity. If you name changes from week to week, others will come to the conclusion that you don't know yourself very well.
And the first rule of magick is "know thyself". It's the ultimate quest for personal insight. A name is a reflection of that.
If you want to hear how I chose my name, you can read about it here: For a funny satire on how some new pagans choose names, read The Naming of Witches in the humor section. Enjoy!
~Flame RavenHawk
March 24, 2003