For over three decades, New Kids on the Block has been a name synonymous with pop music history, screaming fans, and the golden era of boy bands. But what many fans may not know is that at one point, the iconic group seriously considered changing their name — and the reason behind it offers a fascinating glimpse into the pressure of fame, evolution, and reinvention.
From Teen Heartthrobs to Adult Artists
When NKOTB burst onto the scene in the late 1980s, their name perfectly captured the youthful, fresh energy they brought to the music world. They were the new kids — literally — shaking up the industry with their choreographed dance moves, catchy hooks, and carefully crafted image. Songs like “Hangin’ Tough,” “Step by Step,” and “Please Don’t Go Girl” rocketed them to international stardom.
But as the years passed and the group matured, the members — Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood — began to feel a disconnect between the “New Kids” brand and who they had become as people and artists.
A Name That No Longer Fit
According to multiple interviews over the years, the group began seriously discussing a name change in the mid-1990s, shortly after their initial commercial peak. At that point, they had outgrown the “boy band” label, both in terms of age and artistic direction.
“We weren’t kids anymore,” said Donnie Wahlberg in a 2009 interview. “Calling ourselves ‘New Kids on the Block’ just felt… off. We were trying to evolve musically, and the name felt like it was holding us back.”
The idea was that a more mature, rebranded name would allow them to explore different sounds and appeal to a wider — and older — audience without being pigeonholed by their teen idol image.
Possible New Names?
While no official alternate name was ever made public, it’s been rumored that the group toyed with simply going by “NKOTB” as a way to modernize the brand — much like how Diddy dropped the “Puff.” This abbreviation began to be used more often in the early 2000s and helped bridge the gap between their legacy and a more adult image.
Other insiders claimed the group considered entirely new branding for a comeback album, including suggestions like The Block, which later became the title of their 2008 reunion album. However, none of the rebranding efforts ever fully replaced the original name.
Why They Ultimately Stuck with It
Despite the internal conflict and brief experimentation, the group ultimately chose to keep the name “New Kids on the Block” — and for good reason.
“At the end of the day, the name is iconic,” said Joey McIntyre in a 2011 documentary. “You don’t throw away that kind of history. People don’t just remember the music — they remember the feeling. The name is a part of that.”
The loyalty of their fans, who proudly identified as “Blockheads,” played a huge role in their decision to stay true to their roots. The group realized that the name, however mismatched it might have seemed to their age, was an unshakable part of their legacy.
Reinvention Without Erasing the Past
Rather than distancing themselves from the “New Kids” identity, the group leaned into it — with a wink. Their modern tours, including collaborations with fellow pop legends like the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, have proven that fans don’t mind a little nostalgia mixed with reinvention.
Their recent announcements — like the 2025 super-tour featuring Backstreet Boys and NSYNC — show that they’re still relevant, still evolving, and still proud of where they came from.
A Name That Grew With Them
In the end, the story of NKOTB’s almost-name-change is one of identity, legacy, and resilience. While the name may have been born out of a specific moment in pop culture, it has since transcended its original meaning. What started as a label for five Boston teenagers became a symbol of loyalty, unity, and the power of pop music to connect generations.
So, no — they’re not kids anymore. But they’re still very much on the block — and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
