One embodiment provides a system that facilitates redistribution of content objects with a different name without requiring re-computation of the original authentication information. During operation, the system determines, by a content producing device, an original manifest which indicates at least an original name associated with a content object, wherein the name is a hierarchically structured variable length identifier (HSVLI) which comprises contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level. The system renames the content object with a new name. The system also creates a new manifest which indicates the new name, wherein the new manifest includes original authentication information associated with the original manifest.