SANTIAGO, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Wednesday signed into law a bill allowing people over the age of 14 to change their name and gender in official records, marking a historic shift in a traditionally conservative, predominantly Roman Catholic country.

The bill was first introduced by center-left President Michelle Bachelet, then faced fierce lobbying by conservative and religious groups until its eventual passage by lawmakers in September, nearly five years later.

"I am aware there are varying opinions on this issue," the center-right Pinera said in an official act celebrating the law's passage. "But I am firm in my conviction that we have taken a step in the right direction."

The law marks an increasingly progressive tack in Chile, an Andean nation until recently dominated by a conservative, Catholic culture.