diff --git a/common/database.cpp b/common/database.cpp
index 44eccb744..cea5ddf2b 100644
--- a/common/database.cpp
+++ b/common/database.cpp
@@ -955,6 +955,29 @@ bool Database::UpdateName(const std::string& old_name, const std::string& new_na
 	return CharacterDataRepository::UpdateOne(*this, e);
 }
 
+bool Database::UpdateNameByID(const int character_id, const std::string& new_name)
+{
+	LogInfo("Renaming [{}] to [{}]", character_id, new_name);
+
+	auto l = CharacterDataRepository::GetWhere(
+		*this,
+		fmt::format(
+			"`id` = {}",
+			character_id
+		)
+	);
+
+	if (l.empty()) {
+		return false;
+	}
+
+	auto& e = l.front();
+
+	e.name = new_name;
+
+	return CharacterDataRepository::UpdateOne(*this, e);
+}
+
 bool Database::IsNameUsed(const std::string& name)
 {
 	if (RuleB(Bots, Enabled)) {
@@ -982,6 +1005,20 @@ bool Database::IsNameUsed(const std::string& name)
 	return !character_data.empty();
 }
 
+// Players cannot have the same name as a pet vanity name, or memory corruption occurs.
+bool Database::IsPetNameUsed(const std::string& name)
+{
+	const auto& pet_name_data = CharacterPetNameRepository::GetWhere(
+		*this,
+		fmt::format(
+			"`name` = '{}'",
+			Strings::Escape(name)
+		)
+	);
+
+	return !pet_name_data.empty();
+}
+
 uint32 Database::GetServerType()
 {
 	const auto& l = VariablesRepository::GetWhere(*this, "`varname` = 'ServerType' LIMIT 1");
diff --git a/common/database.h b/common/database.h
index 3d263755c..1928d5025 100644
--- a/common/database.h
+++ b/common/database.h
@@ -103,6 +103,7 @@ public:
 	bool ReserveName(uint32 account_id, const std::string& name);
 	bool SaveCharacterCreate(uint32 character_id, uint32 account_id, PlayerProfile_Struct* pp);
 	bool UpdateName(const std::string& old_name, const std::string& new_name);
+	bool UpdateNameByID(const int character_id, const std::string& new_name);
 	bool CopyCharacter(
 		const std::string& source_character_name,
 		const std::string& destination_character_name,
@@ -116,6 +117,7 @@ public:
 	bool CheckGMIPs(const std::string& login_ip, uint32 account_id);
 	bool CheckNameFilter(const std::string& name, bool surname = false);
 	bool IsNameUsed(const std::string& name);
+	bool IsPetNameUsed(const std::string& name);
 
 	uint32 GetAccountIDByChar(const std::string& name, uint32* character_id = 0);
 	uint32 GetAccountIDByChar(uint32 character_id);
diff --git a/common/emu_oplist.h b/common/emu_oplist.h
index f91bf235f..268fa97cd 100644
--- a/common/emu_oplist.h
+++ b/common/emu_oplist.h
@@ -287,6 +287,8 @@ N(OP_InstillDoubt),
 N(OP_InterruptCast),
 N(OP_InvokeChangePetName),
 N(OP_InvokeChangePetNameImmediate),
+N(OP_InvokeNameChangeImmediate),
+N(OP_InvokeNameChangeLazy),
 N(OP_ItemLinkClick),
 N(OP_ItemLinkResponse),
 N(OP_ItemLinkText),
diff --git a/common/eq_packet_structs.h b/common/eq_packet_structs.h
index caf0e4f63..bf20f6502 100644
--- a/common/eq_packet_structs.h
+++ b/common/eq_packet_structs.h
@@ -5832,21 +5832,28 @@ struct ChangeSize_Struct
 /*16*/
 };
 
+enum ChangeNameResponse : int {
+	Denied      = 0,  // 5167: "You have requested an invalid name or a Customer Service Representative has denied your name request. Please try another name."
+	Accepted    = 1,  // 5976: "Your request for a name change was successful."
+	Timeout     = -1, // 5977: "Your request for a name change has timed out. Please try again later."
+	ServerError = -2, // 5978: "The server had an error while processing your name request. Please try again later."
+	RateLimited = -3, // 5979: "You must wait longer before submitting another name request. Please try again in a few minutes."
+	Ineligible  = -4, // 5980: "Your character is not eligible for a name change."
+	Pending     = -5  // 5193: "You already have a name change pending. Please wait until it is fully processed before attempting another name change."
+};
+
+struct AltChangeName_Struct {
+/*00*/ char new_name[64];
+/*40*/ char old_name[64];
+/*80*/ int  response_code;
+};
+
 struct ChangePetName_Struct {
 /*00*/ char new_pet_name[64];
 /*40*/ char pet_owner_name[64];
 /*80*/ int  response_code;
 };
 
-enum ChangePetNameResponse : int {
-	Denied      = 0,        // 5167 You have requested an invalid name or a Customer Service Representative has denied your name request.  Please try another name.
-	Accepted    = 1,        // 5976 Your request for a name change was successful.
-	Timeout     = -3,        // 5979 You must wait longer before submitting another name request. Please try again in a few minutes.
-	NotEligible = -4,    // 5980 Your character is not eligible for a name change.
-	Pending     = -5,        // 5193 You already have a name change pending.  Please wait until it is fully processed before attempting another name change.
-	Unhandled   = -1
-};
-
 // New OpCode/Struct for SoD+
 struct GroupMakeLeader_Struct
 {
diff --git a/common/ruletypes.h b/common/ruletypes.h
index 9f5508fac..79df22248 100644
--- a/common/ruletypes.h
+++ b/common/ruletypes.h
@@ -231,6 +231,7 @@ RULE_INT(Character, MendAlwaysSucceedValue, 199, "Value at which mend will alway
 RULE_BOOL(Character, SneakAlwaysSucceedOver100, false, "When sneak skill is over 100, always succeed sneak/hide. Default: false")
 RULE_INT(Character, BandolierSwapDelay, 0, "Bandolier swap delay in milliseconds, default is 0")
 RULE_BOOL(Character, EnableHackedFastCampForGM, false, "Enables hacked fast camp for GM clients, if the GM doesn't have a hacked client they'll camp like normal")
+RULE_BOOL(Character, AlwaysAllowNameChange, false, "Enable this option to allow /changename to work without enabling a name change via scripts.")
 RULE_CATEGORY_END()
 
 RULE_CATEGORY(Mercs)
diff --git a/utils/patches/patch_RoF2.conf b/utils/patches/patch_RoF2.conf
index 725d9d947..3533aaa87 100644
--- a/utils/patches/patch_RoF2.conf
+++ b/utils/patches/patch_RoF2.conf
@@ -746,3 +746,6 @@ OP_TradeSkillRecipeInspect=0x4f7e
 OP_InvokeChangePetNameImmediate=0x046d
 OP_InvokeChangePetName=0x4506
 OP_ChangePetName=0x5dab
+
+OP_InvokeNameChangeImmediate=0x4fe2
+OP_InvokeNameChangeLazy=0x2f2e
diff --git a/zone/client.cpp b/zone/client.cpp
index 7e8a8cd7c..b91b4de59 100644
--- a/zone/client.cpp
+++ b/zone/client.cpp
@@ -2549,40 +2549,59 @@ void Client::ChangeLastName(std::string last_name) {
 	safe_delete(outapp);
 }
 
-bool Client::ChangeFirstName(const char* in_firstname, const char* gmname)
+// Deprecated, this packet does not actually work in ROF2
+bool Client::ChangeFirstName(const std::string in_firstname, const std::string gmname)
 {
-	// check duplicate name
-	bool used_name = database.IsNameUsed((const char*) in_firstname);
-	if (used_name) {
+	if (!ChangeFirstName(in_firstname)) {
 		return false;
 	}
 
-	// update character_
-	if(!database.UpdateName(GetName(), in_firstname))
-		return false;
-
-	// update pp
-	memset(m_pp.name, 0, sizeof(m_pp.name));
-	snprintf(m_pp.name, sizeof(m_pp.name), "%s", in_firstname);
-	strcpy(name, m_pp.name);
-	Save();
-
 	// send name update packet
 	auto outapp = new EQApplicationPacket(OP_GMNameChange, sizeof(GMName_Struct));
 	GMName_Struct* gmn=(GMName_Struct*)outapp->pBuffer;
-	strn0cpy(gmn->gmname,gmname,64);
+	strn0cpy(gmn->gmname,gmname.c_str(),64);
 	strn0cpy(gmn->oldname,GetName(),64);
-	strn0cpy(gmn->newname,in_firstname,64);
+	strn0cpy(gmn->newname,in_firstname.c_str(),64);
 	gmn->unknown[0] = 1;
 	gmn->unknown[1] = 1;
 	gmn->unknown[2] = 1;
 	entity_list.QueueClients(this, outapp, false);
 	safe_delete(outapp);
 
+	// success
+	return true;
+}
+
+bool Client::ChangeFirstName(const std::string in_firstname)
+{
+	// check duplicate name
+	bool used_name = database.IsNameUsed(in_firstname) || database.IsPetNameUsed(in_firstname);
+	if (used_name || !database.CheckNameFilter(in_firstname, false)) {
+		return false;
+	}
+
+	// update character_
+	if(!database.UpdateNameByID(CharacterID(), in_firstname))
+		return false;
+
+	// Send Name Update to Clients
+	SendRename(this, GetName(), in_firstname.c_str());
+	SetName(in_firstname.c_str());
+
+	// update pp
+	memset(m_pp.name, 0, sizeof(m_pp.name));
+	snprintf(m_pp.name, sizeof(m_pp.name), "%s", in_firstname.c_str());
+	strcpy(name, m_pp.name);
+	Save();
+
+	// Update the active char in account table
+	database.UpdateLiveChar(in_firstname, AccountID());
+
 	// finally, update the /who list
 	UpdateWho();
 
 	// success
+	ClearNameChange();
 	return true;
 }
 
@@ -4737,6 +4756,57 @@ bool Client::KeyRingRemove(uint32 item_id)
 	);
 }
 
+bool Client::IsNameChangeAllowed() {
+	if (RuleB(Character, AlwaysAllowNameChange)) {
+		return true;
+	}
+
+	auto k = GetScopedBucketKeys();
+	k.key = "name_change_allowed";
+
+	auto b = DataBucket::GetData(k);
+	if (!b.value.empty()) {
+		return true;
+	}
+
+	return false;
+}
+
+bool Client::ClearNameChange() {
+	if (!IsNameChangeAllowed()) {
+		return false;
+	}
+
+	auto k = GetScopedBucketKeys();
+	k.key = "name_change_allowed";
+
+	DataBucket::DeleteData(k);
+
+	return true;
+}
+
+void Client::InvokeChangeNameWindow(bool immediate) {
+	if (!IsNameChangeAllowed()) {
+		return;
+	}
+
+	auto packet_op = immediate ? OP_InvokeNameChangeImmediate : OP_InvokeNameChangeLazy;
+
+	auto outapp = new EQApplicationPacket(packet_op, 0);
+	QueuePacket(outapp);
+	safe_delete(outapp);
+}
+
+void Client::GrantNameChange() {
+
+	auto k = GetScopedBucketKeys();
+	k.key = "name_change_allowed";
+	k.value = "allowed"; // potentially put a timestamp here
+	DataBucket::SetData(k);
+
+	InvokeChangeNameWindow(true);
+}
+
 bool Client::IsPetNameChangeAllowed() {
 	if (RuleB(Pets, AlwaysAllowPetRename)) {
 		return true;
diff --git a/zone/client.h b/zone/client.h
index 0bbee8af4..6b6cb15ed 100644
--- a/zone/client.h
+++ b/zone/client.h
@@ -332,6 +332,10 @@ public:
 	bool KeyRingClear();
 	bool KeyRingRemove(uint32 item_id);
 	void KeyRingList();
+	bool IsNameChangeAllowed();
+	void InvokeChangeNameWindow(bool immediate = true);
+	bool ClearNameChange();
+	void GrantNameChange();
 	bool IsPetNameChangeAllowed();
 	void GrantPetNameChange();
 	void ClearPetNameChange();
@@ -511,7 +515,8 @@ public:
 	bool AutoAttackEnabled() const { return auto_attack; }
 	bool AutoFireEnabled() const { return auto_fire; }
 
-	bool ChangeFirstName(const char* in_firstname,const char* gmname);
+	bool ChangeFirstName(const std::string in_firstname,const std::string gmname);
+	bool ChangeFirstName(const std::string in_firstname);
 
 	void Duck();
 	void Stand();
diff --git a/zone/client_packet.cpp b/zone/client_packet.cpp
index ee8d8777f..5ed9f4ae4 100644
--- a/zone/client_packet.cpp
+++ b/zone/client_packet.cpp
@@ -826,6 +826,10 @@ void Client::CompleteConnect()
 		if (IsPetNameChangeAllowed() && !RuleB(Pets, AlwaysAllowPetRename)) {
 			InvokeChangePetName(false);
 		}
+
+		if (IsNameChangeAllowed() && !RuleB(Character, AlwaysAllowNameChange)) {
+			InvokeChangeNameWindow(false);
+		}
 	}
 
 	if(ClientVersion() == EQ::versions::ClientVersion::RoF2 && RuleB(Parcel, EnableParcelMerchants)) {
@@ -4256,7 +4260,7 @@ void Client::Handle_OP_Camp(const EQApplicationPacket *app)
 		else {
 			OnDisconnect(true);
 		}
-		
+
 		return;
 	}
 
@@ -4548,14 +4552,14 @@ void Client::Handle_OP_ChangePetName(const EQApplicationPacket *app) {
 
 	auto p = (ChangePetName_Struct *) app->pBuffer;
 	if (!IsPetNameChangeAllowed()) {
-		p->response_code = ChangePetNameResponse::NotEligible;
+		p->response_code = ChangeNameResponse::Ineligible;
 		QueuePacket(app);
 		return;
 	}
 
-	p->response_code = ChangePetNameResponse::Denied;
+	p->response_code = ChangeNameResponse::Denied;
 	if (ChangePetName(p->new_pet_name)) {
-		p->response_code = ChangePetNameResponse::Accepted;
+		p->response_code = ChangeNameResponse::Accepted;
 	}
 
 	QueuePacket(app);
@@ -6776,6 +6780,21 @@ void Client::Handle_OP_GMLastName(const EQApplicationPacket *app)
 
 void Client::Handle_OP_GMNameChange(const EQApplicationPacket *app)
 {
+	if (app->size == sizeof(AltChangeName_Struct)) {
+		auto p = (AltChangeName_Struct *) app->pBuffer;
+
+		if (!IsNameChangeAllowed()) {
+			p->response_code = ChangeNameResponse::Ineligible;
+			QueuePacket(app);
+			return;
+		}
+
+		p->response_code = ChangeFirstName(p->new_name) ? ChangeNameResponse::Accepted : ChangeNameResponse::Denied;
+		QueuePacket(app);
+
+		return;
+	}
+
 	if (app->size != sizeof(GMName_Struct)) {
 		LogError("Wrong size: OP_GMNameChange, size=[{}], expected [{}]", app->size, sizeof(GMName_Struct));
 		return;
diff --git a/zone/gm_commands/set/name.cpp b/zone/gm_commands/set/name.cpp
index 0e3ca531a..c700060b9 100755
--- a/zone/gm_commands/set/name.cpp
+++ b/zone/gm_commands/set/name.cpp
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ void SetName(Client *c, const Seperator *sep)
 		std::string new_name = sep->arg[2];
 		std::string old_name = t->GetCleanName();
 
-		if (t->ChangeFirstName(new_name.c_str(), c->GetCleanName())) {
+		if (t->ChangeFirstName(new_name, c->GetCleanName())) {
 			c->Message(
 				Chat::White,
 				fmt::format(
@@ -24,17 +24,13 @@ void SetName(Client *c, const Seperator *sep)
 				).c_str()
 			);
 
-			c->Message(Chat::White, "Sending player to char select.");
-
-			t->Kick("Name was changed");
-
 			return;
 		}
 
 		c->Message(
 			Chat::White,
 			fmt::format(
-				"Unable to rename {}. Check that the new name '{}' isn't already taken.",
+				"Unable to rename {}. Check that the new name '{}' isn't already taken (Including Pet Names), or isn't invalid",
 				old_name,
 				new_name
 			).c_str()
diff --git a/zone/lua_client.cpp b/zone/lua_client.cpp
index bd12bdf11..1def6b30a 100644
--- a/zone/lua_client.cpp
+++ b/zone/lua_client.cpp
@@ -3496,6 +3496,24 @@ std::string Lua_Client::GetAccountBucketRemaining(std::string bucket_name)
 	return self->GetAccountBucketRemaining(bucket_name);
 }
 
+void Lua_Client::GrantNameChange()
+{
+	Lua_Safe_Call_Void();
+	self->GrantNameChange();
+}
+
+bool Lua_Client::IsNameChangeAllowed()
+{
+	Lua_Safe_Call_Bool();
+	return self->IsNameChangeAllowed();
+}
+
+bool Lua_Client::ClearNameChange()
+{
+	Lua_Safe_Call_Bool();
+	return self->ClearNameChange();
+}
+
 std::string Lua_Client::GetBandolierName(uint8 bandolier_slot)
 {
 	Lua_Safe_Call_String();
@@ -3635,6 +3653,7 @@ luabind::scope lua_register_client() {
 	.def("CashReward", &Lua_Client::CashReward)
 	.def("ChangeLastName", (void(Lua_Client::*)(std::string))&Lua_Client::ChangeLastName)
 	.def("GrantPetNameChange", &Lua_Client::GrantPetNameChange)
+	.def("ClearNameChange", &Lua_Client::ClearNameChange)
 	.def("CharacterID", (uint32(Lua_Client::*)(void))&Lua_Client::CharacterID)
 	.def("CheckIncreaseSkill", (void(Lua_Client::*)(int,Lua_Mob))&Lua_Client::CheckIncreaseSkill)
 	.def("CheckIncreaseSkill", (void(Lua_Client::*)(int,Lua_Mob,int))&Lua_Client::CheckIncreaseSkill)
@@ -3851,6 +3870,7 @@ luabind::scope lua_register_client() {
 	.def("GrantAllAAPoints", (void(Lua_Client::*)(uint8,bool))&Lua_Client::GrantAllAAPoints)
 	.def("GrantAlternateAdvancementAbility", (bool(Lua_Client::*)(int, int))&Lua_Client::GrantAlternateAdvancementAbility)
 	.def("GrantAlternateAdvancementAbility", (bool(Lua_Client::*)(int, int, bool))&Lua_Client::GrantAlternateAdvancementAbility)
+	.def("GrantNameChange", &Lua_Client::GrantNameChange)
 	.def("GuildID", (uint32(Lua_Client::*)(void))&Lua_Client::GuildID)
 	.def("GuildRank", (int(Lua_Client::*)(void))&Lua_Client::GuildRank)
 	.def("HasAugmentEquippedByID", (bool(Lua_Client::*)(uint32))&Lua_Client::HasAugmentEquippedByID)
@@ -3881,6 +3901,7 @@ luabind::scope lua_register_client() {
 	.def("IsInAGuild", (bool(Lua_Client::*)(void))&Lua_Client::IsInAGuild)
 	.def("IsLD", (bool(Lua_Client::*)(void))&Lua_Client::IsLD)
 	.def("IsMedding", (bool(Lua_Client::*)(void))&Lua_Client::IsMedding)
+	.def("IsNameChangeAllowed", &Lua_Client::IsNameChangeAllowed)
 	.def("IsRaidGrouped", (bool(Lua_Client::*)(void))&Lua_Client::IsRaidGrouped)
 	.def("IsSitting", (bool(Lua_Client::*)(void))&Lua_Client::IsSitting)
 	.def("IsStanding", (bool(Lua_Client::*)(void))&Lua_Client::IsStanding)
diff --git a/zone/lua_client.h b/zone/lua_client.h
index 6346df52b..0e197f013 100644
--- a/zone/lua_client.h
+++ b/zone/lua_client.h
@@ -609,6 +609,10 @@ public:
 	void ShowZoneShardMenu();
 	void GrantPetNameChange();
 
+	void GrantNameChange();
+	bool IsNameChangeAllowed();
+	bool ClearNameChange();
+
 	Lua_Expedition  CreateExpedition(luabind::object expedition_info);
 	Lua_Expedition  CreateExpedition(std::string zone_name, uint32 version, uint32 duration, std::string expedition_name, uint32 min_players, uint32 max_players);
 	Lua_Expedition  CreateExpedition(std::string zone_name, uint32 version, uint32 duration, std::string expedition_name, uint32 min_players, uint32 max_players, bool disable_messages);
diff --git a/zone/perl_client.cpp b/zone/perl_client.cpp
index b104d7c70..6ef4eaa45 100644
--- a/zone/perl_client.cpp
+++ b/zone/perl_client.cpp
@@ -3261,6 +3261,21 @@ std::string Perl_Client_GetAccountBucketRemaining(Client* self, std::string buck
 	return self->GetAccountBucketRemaining(bucket_name);
 }
 
+void Perl_Client_GrantNameChange(Client* self)
+{
+	self->GrantNameChange();
+}
+
+bool Perl_Client_IsNameChangeAllowed(Client* self)
+{
+	return self->IsNameChangeAllowed();
+}
+
+bool Perl_Client_ClearNameChange(Client* self)
+{
+	return self->ClearNameChange();
+}
+
 std::string Perl_Client_GetBandolierName(Client* self, uint8 bandolier_slot)
 {
 	return self->GetBandolierName(bandolier_slot);
@@ -3393,6 +3408,7 @@ void perl_register_client()
 	package.add("CashReward", &Perl_Client_CashReward);
 	package.add("ChangeLastName", &Perl_Client_ChangeLastName);
 	package.add("GrantPetNameChange", &Perl_Client_GrantPetNameChange);
+	package.add("ClearNameChange", (bool(*)(Client*))&Perl_Client_ClearNameChange);
 	package.add("CharacterID", &Perl_Client_CharacterID);
 	package.add("CheckIncreaseSkill", (bool(*)(Client*, int))&Perl_Client_CheckIncreaseSkill);
 	package.add("CheckIncreaseSkill", (bool(*)(Client*, int, int))&Perl_Client_CheckIncreaseSkill);
@@ -3607,6 +3623,7 @@ void perl_register_client()
 	package.add("GrantAllAAPoints", (void(*)(Client*, uint8, bool))&Perl_Client_GrantAllAAPoints);
 	package.add("GrantAlternateAdvancementAbility", (bool(*)(Client*, int, int))&Perl_Client_GrantAlternateAdvancementAbility);
 	package.add("GrantAlternateAdvancementAbility", (bool(*)(Client*, int, int, bool))&Perl_Client_GrantAlternateAdvancementAbility);
+	package.add("GrantNameChange", (void(*)(Client*))&Perl_Client_GrantNameChange);
 	package.add("GuildID", &Perl_Client_GuildID);
 	package.add("GuildRank", &Perl_Client_GuildRank);
 	package.add("HasAugmentEquippedByID", &Perl_Client_HasAugmentEquippedByID);
@@ -3637,6 +3654,7 @@ void perl_register_client()
 	package.add("IsInAGuild", &Perl_Client_IsInAGuild);
 	package.add("IsLD", &Perl_Client_IsLD);
 	package.add("IsMedding", &Perl_Client_IsMedding);
+	package.add("IsNameChangeAllowed", (bool(*)(Client*))&Perl_Client_IsNameChangeAllowed);
 	package.add("IsRaidGrouped", &Perl_Client_IsRaidGrouped);
 	package.add("IsSitting", &Perl_Client_IsSitting);
 	package.add("IsStanding", &Perl_Client_IsStanding);
diff --git a/zone/questmgr.cpp b/zone/questmgr.cpp
index 085557421..bc2244d78 100644
--- a/zone/questmgr.cpp
+++ b/zone/questmgr.cpp
@@ -1310,15 +1310,14 @@ void QuestManager::rename(std::string name) {
 	QuestManagerCurrentQuestVars();
 	if (initiator) {
 		std::string current_name = initiator->GetName();
-		if (initiator->ChangeFirstName(name.c_str(), current_name.c_str())) {
+		if (initiator->ChangeFirstName(name)) {
 			initiator->Message(
 				Chat::White,
 				fmt::format(
-					"Successfully renamed to {}, kicking to character select.",
+					"Successfully renamed to {}.",
 					name
 				).c_str()
 			);
-			initiator->Kick("Name was changed.");
 		} else {
 			initiator->Message(
 				Chat::Red,