How To Rename a Local and Remote Git Branch

Introduction

Git is a software package used for tracking software as it moves through stages of development. Git uses branching to maintain a central repository of code while creating a copy to make changes on.

In this guide, learn how to change the name of a Git branch on a local system or remote repository.

Prerequisites

• An existing installation on Git on CentOS or Git for Ubuntu
• A Linux-based operating system
• Access to a terminal window/command line (Ctrl+Alt+T or Ctrl+Alt+F2)

Rename Local Branch

To rename a branch in Git:

1. Enter the name of the branch you want to change in your command-line interface:

git checkout old-branch

You should receive confirmation that the branch is checked out.

2. Rename the branch by entering the command:

git branch -m new-name

Alternatively, you can use a single command. If you’re not already in the master, switch to it:

git checkout master

Enter the following to change a branch name:

git branch -m old-name new-name

3. Verify the renaming was successful by checking the status :

git branch -a

The output confirms that the branch was successfully renamed, as shown below.

This is useful if you created a new branch and pushed your remote repository’s changes to discover the branch name was incorrect.

Note: Replace old-name with the actual name of the branch you want to change. Replace new-name with the name of the branch you want to use going forward.

Rename a Remote Git Branch

There isn’t a way to directly rename a Git branch in a remote repository. You will need to delete the old branch name, then push a branch with the correct name to the remote repository.

1. Verify the local branch has the correct name:

git branch -a

2. Next, delete the branch with the old name on the remote repository:

git push origin --delete old-name

The output confirms that the branch was deleted.

3. Finally, push the branch with the correct name, and reset the upstream branch:

git push origin -u new-name

Alternatively, you can overwrite the remote branch with a single command:

git push origin :old-name new-name

Resetting the upstream branch is still required:

git push origin -u new-name

Note: Replace old-name with the actual name you want to change. Replace new-name with the name you want to use going forward.

Conclusion

Now you know how to rename a local or remote Git branch, even if it has been loaded on a remote repository.