No, you can choose a new name. But the old name is still only for that account, so you can go back. Exploration finds stay assigned to original name.If you're clearing your save then I'm pretty sure you keep your Commander name, you don't get to choose a new one.
Disclaimer: I'm assuming this, since I've never actually done it (yet).
That comes as a genuine surprise to me. Thank you!No, you can choose a new name. But the old name is still only for that account, so you can go back. Exploration finds stay assigned to original name.