How are names and name-changes in Anthem significant and how do they contribute to the novella's meaning?

All of the characters have names which convey unity and
collectivity. The society of this novella is a dystopia in which all forms of
individuality have been purposefully erased or forgotten. Even the word “I” and the
basic concept of one “self” have been lost. That’s why the narrator refers to himself as
"we" and why everyone’s name is a symbol or adjective for a social concept: Liberty,
Unity, International or Equality.

Equality 7-2521 begins to
read, experiment, and learn things by himself. When he learns the concept of
individuality, he begins using “I.” He acquires the concepts of learning, creativity and
individuality together.

In Greek mythology, Prometheus
stole fire from the gods and gave it to mankind. This is an allegory for humanity
acquiring knowledge. In a sense, learning to make fire was the beginning of humanity’s
technology. This is fitting because Equality 7-2521 discovers electric light in his
underground tunnel. He tries to share this knowledge with the Council but they reject
him. Likewise, Prometheus was punished by the Gods for sharing fire with
humans.

Equality 7-2521 changed Liberty 5-3000’s name to
Gaea (Gaia). Gaea was the mother of the gods. Equality 7-2521 (aka Prometheus) decides
that their children will be brought up with knowledge and books. Gaea is pregnant by
this time. The idea is that their children will have access to so much knowledge that
they will be like gods compared to the brainwashed masses who cling to
anti-individualism.