To change the name of a column in SQL, you can utilize the `ALTER TABLE` statement, which is a fundamental command for modifying the structure of an existing table. The syntax varies slightly depending on the SQL database you are using (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server). Generally, the command would look like this: `ALTER TABLE table_name RENAME COLUMN old_column_name TO new_column_name;`. Ensure to replace `table_name` with the actual name of the table, `old_column_name` with the current column name, and `new_column_name` with your desired name. It’s important to note that renaming columns may affect any indexes, constraints, or queries that reference the original column name, so be prepared to update those as well.

In addition, if you’re working within a specific database environment, you should also consider transactional safety. For databases like PostgreSQL, renaming a column is an instant operation, however, in a production environment, it’s advisable to conduct this operation within a transaction block to maintain consistency. You might want to check for any dependent views, stored procedures, or application code that relies on the column name before making the change, ensuring a smooth transition to the new schema. Always remember to create a backup of your database or at least the affected table before performing such structural changes to mitigate any potential data loss during the renaming process.