Initially called Executioner, the band changed its name to Xecutioner in 1986 to avoid confusion with the thrash metal band Executioner from Boston, and then changed its name once again to Obituary in 1988.
Initicialmente chamouse Executioner, nome que cambiaría por Xecutioner en 1986 para evitar confusións co grupo de thrash metal Executioner de Boston, e posteriormente volverían cambiar polo definitivo Obituary en 1988.