I'm talking about actually changing the names, not just the alias. Is this possible?
Evan,
Yes! In ArcToolbox, you can use the Alter Field tool. It will let you change the name of the field and aliases too.
ArcToolbox>Data Management Tools>Fields>Alter Field
Regards,
Tom
Don't seem to have "Alter Fields"
What version of ArcGIS are you using? You must be on an older version...
I believe this functionality was added at 10.2.
Ah maybe that is the problem. I'm on 10.1. Surprised this option wasn't added in much much older versions like version 1.0
Thanks for your help. I've made the edits via the long way. Exported to dbf, made the edits in excel, etc.
You are welcome!
If you're going to go to all that trouble, why not:
1.) Add a new field, with new name
2.) Calculate from old field to new field
For what it's worth, the free version of ETGeoWizards has the Rename Field tool.