Why did Sinead O’Connor change her name?
LATE singer Sinéad O’Connor was known for her hit singles Nothing Compares 2 U, War, and The Emperor’s New Clothes.
Although the GRAMMY Award winner was famously known by her real first and last name, she decided to change it years later.
Why did Sinéad O’Connor change her name?
When she was 51 years old, Sinéad O’Connor changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat.
At the time, the Roman Catholic-born singer revealed she converted to Islam.
On October 19, 2018, Sinéad announced via Twitter: “This is to announce that I am proud to have become a Muslim.
“This is the natural conclusion of any intelligent theologian’s journey.
“All scripture study leads to Islam. Which makes all other scriptures redundant.
“I will be given (another) new name. It will be Shuhada.”
For the purpose of her music career, Sinéad mentioned she decided to keep her birth name as her stage alias.
Regarding her conversion to Islam, the singer explained: “I’ve been a theology student since I was about seven years of age literally.”
She said on 2FM’s Dave Fanning Show: “I never thought I would choose one religion…and I left Islam for last to study because I had prejudices.
“But when I started finally reading it…I realized I’d been a Muslim all my life and I didn’t know it.
“Being a Muslim is actually a way of thinking. I want to help to smash some of the stigma around Islam.
“So that’s why I was very public about it. I identify hugely with the stigma that Muslims have had to deal with…..I see myself as a soldier.”
This was the second name change she made; Previously, she renamed herself Magda Davitt to disassociate herself from patriarchal standards.
“I no longer want the patriarchal name. The name I have chosen is beautiful and suits me much better,” Sinéad shared with fans via Facebook.
“For those who are hurt by people slagging me off off for name change…f**k ’em all.
“Who cares what anyone says or thinks? Those who love me will call me Magda.
“Those who continue to call me Sinéad are uneducated fools.”
What does the Irish name Sinéad mean?
Sinéad is a name of Irish origin that means “God is gracious.”
Sinéad is the feminine counterpart to the Hebrew male name Yohannan.
Yohannan translates to “God forgave” or “God gratified” in English.
While Jeanette serves as the French counterpart to the name Sinéad, Janet is considered the English version.
You're not alone
SUICIDE is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Leading Causes of Death Report from 2018.
There were “more than two and half times as many suicides” in the US than there were homicides, according to the report.
For people ages 10 and 34, suicide was the “second leading cause of death” and the fourth for individuals ages 35 to 54.
Suicide is a vital health concern in the U.S. It affects all genders, races and ages.
This is why The-Sun.com launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The campaign calls on readers to discuss their mental health issues with their family, friends and health professionals. We can all pitch in to help out others who may be suffering and help save lives.
If you are struggling to cope, you are not alone. There are many free and confidential programs in the US aimed to help those who are struggling with their mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems, these organizations are here to provide support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, 1-800-273-TALK
- Crisis Text Line, www.crisistextline.org, Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Hotline, www.veteranscrisisline.net, 1-800-273-8255
- Trevor Project, www.thetrevorproject.org, 1-866-488-7386
What happened to Sinéad O’Connor?
On July 26, 2023, Sinéad’s family announced the singer died at the age of 56.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad.” her family told The Irish Times.
“Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
She is survived by three of her four living children; Jake Reynolds, Roisin Waters, and Yeshua Bonadio.
On January 7, 2022, Sinéad’s 17-year-old son Shane died from suicide.