To change the title of a Wikipedia page, you don't "edit" it in the same way you modify article content. Instead, you perform a page move operation, which renames the page while preserving its history and creating a redirect from the old title.
Understanding Page Moves on Wikipedia
Renaming a Wikipedia page is referred to as "moving" it. This action transfers all revision history, associated talk pages, and sometimes even subpages, to a new title. A redirect is automatically created from the old title to the new one, ensuring that links to the original name still work.
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Wikipedia Page
Before attempting a move, ensure you are a logged-in user, as unregistered users cannot move pages. Most users can move pages once their account is "auto-confirmed" (typically after 4 days and 10 edits).
1. Access the Move Function
- Navigate to the Wikipedia page you wish to rename.
- Look for the "More" tab in the menu options near the top of the page (usually next to "History" or "Watch").
- From the dropdown menu, select "Move" (or "Move page").
2. Configure the Move Options
Once you've clicked "Move," you'll be taken to the "Move page" interface.
- Source Page Information: This section displays the current title of the page you are moving.
- New Title Options: This is where you specify the new name and scope for the page.
- Namespace Selection:
- From the dropdown box, choose the appropriate namespace prefix.
- If the page is a standard encyclopedia article, select "(Article)".
- For other types of pages (e.g., user pages, talk pages, project pages), select their respective prefixes (e.g., "User:", "Talk:", "Wikipedia:").
- New Title Entry: In the text box labeled "New title" (or similar), enter the exact new name for the page. Ensure it follows Wikipedia's naming conventions.
- Move talk page: Typically, you should check the box to "Move associated talk page" to keep the discussion page linked with its article.
- Watch source and target pages: You can opt to watch both the old and new titles to monitor changes.
- Namespace Selection:
3. Provide a Reason for the Move
Before finalizing the move, you must provide a clear and concise reason in the "Reason for move" text box. This acts like an edit summary and helps other editors understand why the change was made.
Common Reasons for Moving a Page:
| Reason Category | Examples of Reasons |
|---|---|
| Typo/Grammar | Typo in title, Correcting spelling, Grammatical error |
| Naming Conventions | Per WP:NC, More accurate title, Common name |
| Clarity/Disambiguation | Disambiguation, Less ambiguous title, For clarity |
| Consolidation | Merging with [Page Name] |
| Technical/Admin | Housekeeping, Undoing prior move |
4. Execute the Move
After filling in all the details, click the "Move page" button. The page will then be renamed, and you will be redirected to the new title.
Important Considerations When Moving Pages
- Naming Conventions: Always consult Wikipedia's Manual of Style/Naming conventions to ensure your proposed new title is appropriate and follows guidelines.
- Controversial Moves: If a page title is contentious or has been subject to previous discussions, it's best to propose the move on the page's talk page first or initiate a Requested Moves discussion.
- Existing Pages: If your proposed new title already exists (even as a redirect with significant edit history), you might not be able to move the page yourself. In such cases, an administrator's intervention may be required.
- Broken Redirects: While a redirect is automatically created, sometimes existing internal links within other Wikipedia articles might still point to the old title. It's good practice to update a few key links if you notice them.
By following these steps, you can effectively rename a Wikipedia page while adhering to the platform's established procedures.
