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12 EFL Championship Clubs That Once Had Different Names

The upcoming Championship season looks set to be fiercely competitive, with a rich mix of historic teams that have seen name changes since their formation. Among the 24 clubs, only four—Bristol City, Millwall, Preston North End, and Wrexham—have competed in the Premier League era’s top flight, all showing upward progress.

The 2026-27 campaign features eight of the original Football League's twelve founding members, along with some of England’s biggest fanbases. This division is home to clubs with storied legacies, including past league champions like Blackburn Rovers, cup winners such as Bolton Wanderers, Preston’s 'Invincibles', and even West Ham United, a European trophy holder.

Clubs like Burnley, Derby County, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers also add to the division’s historical depth. Only three clubs were founded after 1900, with Swansea City being the youngest, though it began under a different name.

Twelve clubs in the Championship started under different names before becoming the well-known sides today. Here’s a look at each club’s original identity and how they evolved.

Birmingham City (Small Heath Alliance)

Founded in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, named after a Birmingham suburb, the club dropped 'Alliance' in 1888 to become Small Heath. In 1905, they rebranded as Birmingham FC upon moving grounds, finally adopting the name Birmingham City in 1943, a title held ever since.

Bolton Wanderers (Christ Church)

Although officially recognized as established in 1877, the club started in 1874 as Christ Church. A conflict with the local vicar led to the change to Bolton Wanderers. The team’s nickname ‘Wanderers’ came from playing at multiple venues during early years.

Cardiff City (Riverside AFC)

Originally formed as Riverside AFC in 1899 to keep cricketers fit in the off-season, the club played at Sophia Gardens. Attempts to rename to Cardiff City in 1905 were initially refused but later approved in 1908 after joining the South Wales League.

Millwall (Millwall Rovers)

Millwall began as Millwall Rovers in London’s Isle of Dogs. The suffix changed to Athletic in 1889 when they moved grounds. The club adopted simply Millwall upon entering the Football League in 1920.

Queens Park Rangers (Christchurch Rangers)

QPR formed from a merger between St Jude’s and Christchurch Rangers in 1886. Since the club acknowledges 1882—the founding year of Christchurch Rangers—as its origin, this was its initial name.

Southampton (St Mary’s YMA)

Formed in 1885 as St Mary’s Young Men Association FC, the club shortened its name shortly after and became Southampton St Mary’s for the 1894-95 season. It finally adopted Southampton in 1896.

Stoke City (Stoke Ramblers)

There is some debate over Stoke City’s official founding year, but the club was known as Stoke Ramblers from 1868. They dropped the Ramblers suffix in 1878, becoming Stoke. After Stoke-on-Trent gained city status in 1925, the club became Stoke City.

Swansea City (Swansea Town)

Founded in 1912 as Swansea Town, reflecting its then-town status, the club renamed Swansea City in 1970 following the city status grant the year before.

Watford (Watford Rovers)

Starting as Watford Rovers in 1898, the club changed to West Herts in 1893, referencing Hertfordshire. In 1898, after merging with Watford St. Mary’s, the club took on the name Watford.

West Bromwich Albion (West Bromwich Strollers)

Founded by workers at George Salter’s Spring Works in 1878 as West Bromwich Strollers, the club switched to West Bromwich Albion within a few years, adopting the name of a local suburb now called Greets Green.

  • Birmingham City: Small Heath Alliance (1875), Small Heath (1888), Birmingham FC (1905), Birmingham City (1943)
  • Bolton Wanderers: Christ Church (1874), Bolton Wanderers (1877)
  • Cardiff City: Riverside AFC (1899), Cardiff City (1908)
  • Millwall: Millwall Rovers, Millwall Athletic (1889), Millwall (1920)
  • Queens Park Rangers: Christchurch Rangers (1882), merger to QPR (1886)
  • Southampton: St Mary’s YMA (1885), Southampton St Mary’s (1894), Southampton (1896)
  • Stoke City: Stoke Ramblers (1868), Stoke (1878), Stoke City (1925)
  • Swansea City: Swansea Town (1912), Swansea City (1970)
  • Watford: Watford Rovers (1898), West Herts (1893), Watford (1898)
  • West Bromwich Albion: West Bromwich Strollers (1878), West Bromwich Albion (early 1880s)

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