The tower was initially named the Clock Tower, an accurate (if somewhat uninspired) name for this massive timepiece. In 2012 it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, though colloquially it will always be Big Ben.

While the world almost universally calls the iconic landmark "Big Ben," that is technically the nickname for the Great Bell inside the clock, rather than the tower itself. In 2026, the official name of the structure is the Elizabeth Tower, a change that was formally made in 2012 to honor the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Before that, it was often referred to simply as the "Clock Tower" or sometimes "St. Stephen's Tower." Despite the official nomenclature, "Big Ben" remains the most common way for tourists, locals, and even official tourism boards to refer to the entire Gothic Revival masterpiece. After its extensive multi-year restoration was completed in 2022, the tower is back to its full glory, with its bells chiming the "Westminster Quarters" every 15 minutes. Whether you call it the Elizabeth Tower or Big Ben, it remains the definitive symbol of London’s parliamentary history and a centerpiece of the Palace of Westminster’s skyline.