What is Malcolm X real name? Why did Malcolm X change his name?

Before he was well known as Malcolm X, the renowned African-American activist was formerly named Malcolm Little, son of Earl Little and Louise Helen Horton Little.

So here comes the question:

Why did Malcolm change his name?

Malcolm changed his name twice in his lifetime; once because of his new faith, and the other notably driven by his relentless passion for Black independence.

After serving a prison sentence from 1946 to 1952, Malcolm converted to Islam and subsequently encountered the Nation of Islam, an African-American movement that combined elements of Islam with Black nationalism.

Malcolm underwent a rigorous makeover: quitting smoking, gambling, and consumption of pork in adherence to the Nation’s dietary restrictions. He took on the Islam name “El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz”.

The Nation of Islam had a tradition that considered their surnames as a remnant of “white subjugation” of Black people. Malcolm replaced his surname, “Little,” with “X, ” hence the name “Malcolm X”.

This pivotal decision also deeply reflected Malcolm’s advocacy for Black nationalism and independence.