The new name, which will allow the party to retain its acronym, will emphasise that SMC is a modern party that is forward-looking and centrist.

As such, it adheres to and balances a variety of values and ideological positions across the political spectrum, Cerar said.

The name change had been planned since the party was formed in June 2014, just before the early general election.

At the time it was decided that having Cerar's name prominently featured in the party name would give it a better chance of success.

The party will hold its first regular congress on 7 March. Few changes are planned aside from tweaks to the party's bylaws and platform.