"epes" - used to designate an individual who had changed his name, in one occasion because he was angry with the family, and in another a man changed his name to please a wealthy relative"epes" [also "eps"] is short for "epaulet" (in the plural because "epes" are traditionally worn on both shoulders, or on both sides of the collar, at least in modern times).
"Changing epes" refers to the practice of changing one's allegiance to a new patron/sponsor/protector - specifically, by changing one's name to spurn an unsatisfactory patron or namesake, or to curry favor or show respect.
In modern times, star athletes "change their epes" by selling their services to the highest bidder, either a sports team or a commercial sponsor, such as Nike. (In this example, the Nike "Swoosh" is an "ep". This negotiation results in an actual physical change of uniform, corresponding to the "epes" of earlier times when knights and such wore the insignia of their leader.)
The practice of "changing epes" also contemplates the practice of naming one's offspring after the reigning stars of sports and entertainment, the true royalty of the modern world.
One can actually infer birthdates by the popularity of certain names such as "Madonna" or "Britney"*. This phenomenon mirrors the practice in the military of "changing epes" to reflect a change in rank.
epaulet
(Mil.) A shoulder ornament or badge worn by military and naval officers, differences of rank being marked by some peculiar form or device, as a star, eagle, etc.; a shoulder knot.
* Trendspotters predict
Bridonna will be popular.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-0312280407dec28,1,7753610.story?coll=chi-homepagepromo451-fea
