diff --git a/simphony/cuds/particles.py b/simphony/cuds/particles.py
index 74317288..4da71f8d 100644
--- a/simphony/cuds/particles.py
+++ b/simphony/cuds/particles.py
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ def __init__(self, name):
         self._particles = {}
         self._bonds = {}
         self._data = DataContainer()
-        self.name = name
+        self._name = name
 
         self._items_count = {
             CUBA.PARTICLE: lambda: self._particles,
@@ -47,6 +47,14 @@ def __init__(self, name):
 
         self._uid = uuid.uuid4()
 
+    @property
+    def name(self):
+        return self._name
+
+    @name.setter
+    def name(self, value):
+        self._name = value
+
     @property
     def uid(self):
         return self._uid