Changing your in-game name can feel like a fresh start or a way to express your evolving personality in the world of online gaming. In League of Legends, a name change is more than just a vanity upgrade—it can signify a new chapter, commemorate a milestone, or simply make your identity feel more like you.
But what if you want to surprise a friend with this opportunity? The idea of gifting a name change in League of Legends is a popular question among players who want to share the joy of reinvention.
Gifting is a central part of the League experience, whether it’s skins, champions, or special bundles, but the rules around gifting name changes aren’t as straightforward as many hope. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can buy a name change for someone else or how to creatively help a friend rebrand themselves, you’re not alone.
Let’s delve into the specifics, explore your options, and uncover the best ways to support your friends in their League journey—even if the answer isn’t as simple as a single button click.
Understanding Name Changes in League of Legends
The ability to change your summoner name in League of Legends is a feature that many players appreciate. It allows for personal reinvention, anonymity, or simply switching things up for fun.
However, the process and restrictions are important to understand before considering a gift.
League of Legends offers players the chance to change their summoner name through the client’s store. The process is straightforward for your own account, but becomes more complex when you want to help someone else make the change.
The cost and limitations are key factors in how this works.
Typically, a name change in the League client costs either 13,900 Blue Essence or 1,300 Riot Points (RP). Blue Essence can be earned through gameplay, while RP is purchased with real money.
This dual-currency system impacts how and whether gifting is possible.
- Blue Essence is account-bound and cannot be transferred or gifted.
- RP can be purchased as a gift for other players via gift cards or the in-client gifting system.
The ability to express yourself with a unique name is a core part of the League of Legends community, but gifting that ability has its hurdles.
Can You Directly Gift a Name Change?
Many players hope for a simple solution—a button to gift a name change directly to a friend. Unfortunately, the League of Legends client does not offer this as a direct feature.
This can be disappointing if you want to make someone’s day with a meaningful present.
When you visit the League store, you’ll notice that some items, such as skins and champions, have a “gift” option. Name changes, however, do not.
This restriction is intentional, designed to prevent abuse or unwanted changes on another’s account.
The only way to enable a friend to change their name is indirectly, by providing them with the resources they need—most commonly through Riot Points. Once they have the required RP, they can purchase the name change themselves.
- No direct name change gifting in the client
- Indirect gifting through RP or gift cards is possible
- Account security is a major reason for this restriction
Riot Games prioritizes account safety, which means only the account owner can initiate a name change, even if someone else provides the means.
How to Indirectly Gift a Name Change
If you’re determined to help a friend change their name, you still have some creative options available. The most effective method is to give them Riot Points, which they can then use to purchase a name change from the store.
There are a few ways to gift RP. You can use the in-client gifting system, where you purchase RP directly for a friend (if you’ve been friends in-game for at least two weeks), or buy a physical or digital Riot Games gift card.
These cards are available at many retailers and online stores.
After your friend receives the RP, they can navigate to the store, select account options, and purchase their name change. Make sure they have enough RP—1,300 RP is the current cost.
If they already have some RP, you might only need to gift the difference.
- Use the in-client gifting system after two weeks of friendship
- Buy and send a Riot Games gift card with the necessary value
- Ensure your friend knows how to redeem and use their RP for a name change
Empowering your friend to choose their own name ensures the change is both meaningful and secure.
Comparing Name Change Gifting With Other Games
League of Legends is not the only game where players seek to change their in-game identity. Many popular games offer similar features, but the rules about gifting and account security can differ significantly between platforms.
For example, games like Fortnite and Among Us have their own name change processes, which sometimes allow more flexibility. Others, like Steam or Epic Games accounts, have stricter controls to prevent abuse.
The table below compares the name change and gifting process for several leading titles:
| Game | Direct Name Change Gifting? | Indirect Gifting Options | Notes |
| League of Legends | No | Gift RP, gift cards | Requires account owner to initiate |
| Fortnite | No | Gift V-Bucks | Name change via Epic Games account |
| Among Us | No | N/A | Name change is free and user-controlled |
| Steam | No | Gift wallet funds | Display name change is free |
If you’re interested in learning more about name changes in other games, check out How to Change Name on Fortnite Switch Easily or How to Change Among Us Name Easily in a Few Steps for step-by-step instructions.
Account Security and Why Direct Gifting Isn’t Allowed
Riot Games places a high priority on account security, and this is the main reason why direct gifting of name changes is not possible. Allowing others to change your account details could lead to unwanted or malicious actions.
Direct gifting might seem convenient, but it opens the door to potential abuse. For example, someone could change your name as a prank or remove your chosen identity without permission.
By restricting the process to the account owner, Riot ensures that only the rightful user controls their digital persona.
Additionally, Riot’s system is designed to keep personal data and payment methods safe. Only the owner can authorize purchases or changes involving their account, reducing the risk of fraud or hacking attempts.
- Prevents unauthorized changes to your account
- Protects players from pranks, harassment, or impersonation
- Keeps payment and personal data secure
“Account security is paramount in online games, and all name changes must be initiated by the account holder to ensure control and privacy.” – League of Legends Player Support
Creative Alternatives to Gifting a Name Change
While you can’t send a friend a name change directly, there are several thoughtful ways to support their desire for a fresh start. These alternatives can be just as meaningful, if not more so, because they involve a personal touch.
One option is to pool resources with other friends and gift enough RP through multiple small gifts. Alternatively, you could help your friend brainstorm unique and meaningful names, making the process collaborative and fun.
Some players create in-game events or celebratory matches to commemorate a new name, turning the change into a community experience. Personalized messages or custom graphics can also make the gesture special.
- Gift RP in increments from multiple friends
- Host a name reveal party in-game
- Create custom artwork or banners for your friend’s new identity
- Help brainstorm and vote on the best new names
If you like getting creative with name changes in other parts of your digital life, you might want to read How to Change Name on YouTube Easily and Quickly or How to Change Roomba Name Easily in a Few Simple Steps for inspiration beyond gaming.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect New Summoner Name
Once your friend is ready to make the leap, helping them pick an unforgettable summoner name is the next adventure. The right name can energize their gameplay and even change how others perceive them in matches.
Brainstorming together is a great way to find something unique. Aim for originality, clarity, and a name that reflects their personality or playstyle.
Avoid names that are too similar to well-known players or contain offensive language, as these can be flagged or rejected by Riot’s filters.
Encourage your friend to check the name’s availability in advance, since popular or simple names are usually taken. Adding numbers, symbols, or creative spelling can help secure the perfect name.
- Choose something memorable and easy to pronounce
- Reflect your friend’s favorite champion, lore, or meme
- Double-check for appropriateness and availability
- Consider future-proofing for potential eSports or streaming ambitions
Picking a new summoner name is a chance to show off creativity, wit, and personal style—make it count!
Common Questions About League of Legends Name Changes
Even after understanding the basics, it’s common to have lingering questions about the mechanics and policies surrounding name changes in League of Legends. Addressing these can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
How often can you change your name?
There’s no strict limit on how many times you can change your summoner name, as long as you pay the required RP or Blue Essence each time. However, frequent changes can confuse friends and teammates, so it’s wise to choose carefully.
What happens to your old name?
After you change your name, your old summoner name becomes available to other players after a short delay. If your friend wants to reclaim an old name, they’ll need to act quickly once it becomes available again.
Can you transfer a name between accounts?
No, Riot does not allow direct name transfers between accounts. Each account must purchase its own name change independently.
- No cooldown between name changes, but each costs RP or BE
- Old names are released to the public after a delay
- No name transfers or “holding” names for friends
For more on legal name change frequency, you might find How Many Times Can I Change My Name Legally? to be an interesting read.
Conclusion: The Best Way to Gift a Name Change in League of Legends
Gifting a name change in League of Legends is not as simple as sending a skin or champion, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. By understanding the system’s limitations and prioritizing account security, you can still play a meaningful role in helping a friend embrace their new in-game identity.
The most effective approach is to provide Riot Points or a Riot Games gift card, empowering your friend to make the change themselves. This process ensures that the choice—and the fun—remains in their hands.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, supporting a rebrand, or just want to show your appreciation, the gesture of gifting RP can be just as special as gifting the name change directly. Take the opportunity to get creative, celebrate together, and help your friend choose a name that truly represents them.
And if you’re curious about name changes outside the world of gaming, explore topics like How to Change Passenger Name on American Ticket Easily or How to Change Name of File in Excel Easily for step-by-step guidance in other areas of life.
In the end, the essence of gifting is the thought and care behind it—so make your friend’s next League adventure unforgettable, one name at a time.
