What was the original title of the first Harry Potter novel before its American edition was renamed?

The original title of the first Harry Potter novel was Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Bloomsbury used that title for the British publication in 1997. When Scholastic prepared the United States edition, the title was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The alteration reflected a belief that “philosopher” might sound less immediately magical or appealing to some American readers.

The two editions contain the same core story, characters, and plot. A small number of words and references were also adjusted between British and American editions, but the title difference is the most visible distinction.

Because the American title became extremely familiar through the books and film, readers sometimes assume it was Rowling’s original wording. It was not: Philosopher’s Stone is the original title, and Sorcerer’s Stone is the US title.