Do converts have to change their name when they are converting to Islam; becoming a muslim?

Essalamualaykum brother and sisters. The answer to this question is no. Newly converted muslims or to be converting muslims are allowed to keep their original name only if it contains good proper meaning. But if you're looking for 'Why do converts change their name?' then check out this topic on my site if you want, it'll basically list the advantages of changing one's own name when converting to Islam. Anyway as I was saying if the name is not a bad and/or wrong one and if it's not a name without a meaning then it can remain changless :). It is reported in a hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so have good names." (Reported by Abu Dawud)

One example of name that contains bad, improper meaning is "Aasiyah" which means "disobedient" or "rude". This name was carried by Umar's daughter. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) found about this he had changed her name to "Jamilah" which means "the Beautiful" (see Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith no. 4301). Here are some more names on my site, with improper meanings if you're interested: things to keep in mind before choosing a name . This will mostly show the names that musn't be used since of it containing bad meanings, etc.

Now one can only change one's own name, but a person cannot change the family name or name of one's parents, except if they are alive and allow it to take place. The new Muslims that converted to Islam should change their first names, if it contains wrong or bad/improper meanings. Now as far as their last names are concerned they should not be changed, because it is also forbidden in Islam to take the name of someone that is other than one's own biological father.

Allah says in the Qur’an,

"Proclaim their real parentage. That will be more equitable in the sight of Allah. And if you do not know their fathers, then they are your brothers in the faith…" (Al-Ahzab 33: 5)