The Local Council of Senglea has initiated a process that could see the city's official name restored, replacing "Isla" with "Senglea," and has launched a public consultation to gather residents' views.

As part of the initiative, the council has distributed a booklet to households outlining the historical background and reasoning behind the proposal. In a statement, the council urged residents to participate actively, describing the issue as one that touches on the city's identity and heritage.

The proposal was first put forward in 2024 by Mayor Clive Pulis and received unanimous backing from council members. In his contribution to the booklet, Pulis acknowledges the cultural and emotional attachment to the name "Isla," while noting that "Senglea" - bestowed by Grand Master Claude de la Sengle - represents the city's historical standing and resilience.

He emphasised that no final decision has yet been taken. The process will involve public feedback, followed by further study, before any conclusions are presented to Parliament.

Support for the initiative has also come from Archpriest Rev. Can. Robin Camilleri, who drew comparisons with the capital, Valletta, which retained the name given to it by Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette. He argued that Senglea's official name deserves similar recognition and said efforts are underway to ensure its consistent use in official and cultural contexts.

Lawyer and politician Alex Perici Calascione also contributed to the publication, stating that the name Senglea marks the historical moment when the peninsula known as Isola di San Michele was formally elevated to city status. He noted that while colloquial names often persist, they do not replace official designations.

Emeritus Professor Stanley Fiorini provided further historical context, explaining that "Isla" derives from the Arabic word "jazeerah," meaning peninsula, and has appeared in records since at least 1517. The term "Isola Senglea" emerged after the Great Siege of 1565 and has remained in use alongside the shorter form.

Resident Joe Scerri expressed personal support for the change, saying that while "Isla" may continue to be used in everyday speech, official references should reflect the city's original name, Senglea.