GitHub Username Generator

Describe yourself or your content

GitHub usernames can be 1-39 characters using letters, numbers, and hyphens (-). No underscores or spaces.

Your GitHub username appears in all repo URLs: github.com/username — keep it professional and permanent.

Use your real name or a consistent developer alias — recruiters search GitHub by name.

Hyphens are fine: john-doe, jane-smith — cleaner than numbers for professional profiles.

No leading or trailing hyphens: -username or username- are invalid.

Think about your personal website URL too — firstname.dev or username.io pairs well with your GitHub handle.

What are GitHub's username rules?

GitHub usernames must be 1-39 characters and can contain letters (a-z, case-insensitive), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (-). They cannot start or end with a hyphen, and consecutive hyphens (--) are not allowed.

Can I change my GitHub username?

Yes, GitHub allows username changes. However, your old username is released immediately and can be claimed by someone else. All links to your repos, profile, and packages using the old username will break unless redirected.

Does my GitHub username affect job prospects?

Yes. Recruiters frequently check GitHub profiles. A professional, consistent username that matches your other developer profiles (LinkedIn, portfolio) creates a stronger impression than a random handle.

Should I use my real name as my GitHub username?

For professional use, yes. If you're building an open-source persona or developer brand, a consistent alias also works well. Avoid numbers at the end (name123) — it signals the name was taken and looks unprofessional.

How does GitHub username relate to GitHub Pages?

Your GitHub Pages site URL is username.github.io. A clean, professional username makes a better portfolio URL. This is another reason to choose your GitHub handle carefully.