12 EFL Championship Clubs That Used to Have Different Names

The upcoming 2026-27 EFL Championship season promises fierce competition, as always. Only four out of the 24 teams have played in the Premier League era’s top flight: Bristol City, Millwall, Preston North End, and Wrexham. All four clubs seem to be on the rise.

Among the 24 clubs, eight were founding members of the Football League, making this season full of rich history and passionate fanbases. The Championship has long housed some of England’s proudest football institutions. This year is no different.

Some clubs boast top-flight titles, like Blackburn Rovers—a Premier League winner—and others have famous cup histories, including Bolton Wanderers. The legendary 'Invincibles' of Preston North End and a European trophy winner in West Ham United add to the mix. Also competing are historic sides such as Burnley, Derby County, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Only three clubs in the division were founded after 1900. The youngest club is Swansea City, originally formed in 1912 under a different name.

Many Championship clubs began life with alternative names. Among them: Bolton Wanderers, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Cardiff City, Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Southampton, and Watford. Here’s how twelve clubs evolved from their original names to what they’re known as today.

Birmingham City (Small Heath Alliance)

Founded in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, named after a Birmingham suburb, the club shortened its name to Small Heath in 1888. By 1905, they became Birmingham FC when they moved stadiums. The current name, Birmingham City, was adopted in 1943 and has stuck for over eight decades.

Bolton Wanderers (Christ Church)

Established as Christ Church in 1874, the club changed to Bolton Wanderers in 1877 following a disagreement with the local church's vicar. The nickname 'Wanderers' comes from playing at three different home grounds early on.

Cardiff City (Riverside AFC)

Formed in 1899 as Riverside AFC to keep cricketers fit during winter, the club initially played at Sophia Gardens. Attempts to rename it Cardiff City in 1905 were rejected until 1908, shortly after joining the South Wales League.

Millwall (Millwall Rovers)

Starting as Millwall Rovers in London’s Isle of Dogs, the club switched to Millwall Athletic in 1889 after moving grounds. It became simply Millwall upon entering the Football League in 1920.

Queens Park Rangers (Christchurch Rangers)

QPR formed through a merger of St Jude’s and Christchurch Rangers in 1886. Since Christchurch Rangers dates back to 1882, that is often regarded as QPR's foundation year.

Southampton (St Mary’s YMA)

Founded in 1885 as St Mary’s Young Men Association FC (St Mary’s YMA), the team dropped 'YMA' soon after. In 1894-95 they played as Southampton St Mary’s, before settling on Southampton in 1896.

Stoke City (Stoke Ramblers)

Though there's debate about the exact founding year, Stoke traces roots to at least 1863. Known as Stoke Ramblers from 1868, they dropped 'Ramblers' in 1878 to become Stoke. After Stoke-on-Trent gained city status, the club adopted Stoke City in 1925.

Swansea City (Swansea Town)

In 1912, the club started as Swansea Town because Swansea was then a town. The name changed to Swansea City in 1970 after Swansea earned city status the previous year.

Watford (Watford Rovers)

Originally called Watford Rovers in 1898, the club changed to West Herts in 1893 before merging with Watford St. Mary’s in 1898. The merged club took on the name Watford FC, which remains today.

West Bromwich Albion (West Bromwich Strollers)

Started by factory workers in 1878 as West Bromwich Strollers, the club dropped 'Strollers' within two years. The name West Bromwich Albion came from the local Albion area, now known as 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 forming 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 FC (1898)
West Bromwich Albion: West Bromwich Strollers (1878) → West Bromwich Albion (1880)