SharePoint Document Issues

How to Recreate or Rename a SharePoint Column with the Same Name

Adam Davis Oct 7, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to restore a SharePoint column's original capitalization without losing any existing data.

How to Recreate a SharePoint Column with the Same Name

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Correcting a naming or capitalization error on a SharePoint list column.
Observed behavior: The column was renamed from CssClass to CSSClass, and the user needs to revert the capitalization while ensuring the data remains intact.

Before you start

Ensure you have 'Design' or 'Full Control' permissions for the SharePoint list or library before attempting to modify column settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Edit the Existing Column Display Name

This is the safest method, allowing you to change the capitalization or display name without losing any stored data.

Editing the display name directly preserves all your existing data, views, and formulas because the internal column name remains perfectly intact.

Access List Settings

Navigate to your SharePoint list or library. Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner and select 'List settings' or 'Library settings'.

Select the Target Column

Scroll down to the 'Columns' section and click on the name of the column you want to edit (e.g., CSSClass).

Update the Capitalization

In the 'Column name' field, type the correct capitalization (e.g., CssClass) and scroll to the bottom of the page to click 'OK' to save your changes.

Data Preserved: Your data remains completely unaffected, and integrations relying on the internal name will continue to function normally.

Solution 2

Delete and Recreate the Column

Recreating a column allows you to use the exact same display name, but it requires deleting the original column and its contents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing the display name of a SharePoint column change its internal name?

No, editing a column's display name only changes how it appears in lists, libraries, and forms. The internal name, which is generated upon creation and used by workflows, Power Apps, and formulas, remains permanently unchanged.

What happens to my data if I delete and recreate a SharePoint column?

If you delete a column, all the data stored within that column across every list item is permanently lost. Even if you immediately recreate a new column with the exact same display name, the old data cannot be recovered.

Can two columns in a SharePoint list have the exact same display name?

Yes, SharePoint allows multiple columns to share the same display name because their internal names will always remain unique. However, using identical display names is highly discouraged as it creates severe confusion for users trying to input or sort data.

How can I check a SharePoint column's internal name?

To check the internal name, go to List Settings and click on the column. Look at the URL in your browser's address bar; the internal name is listed at the very end of the URL after 'Field='.

Document & File Issues