How to Rename a Local Branch in Git

Renaming local branches in Git is very easy. If you want to rename the current HEAD branch, you can use the following command:

$ git branch -m <new-name>

If you want to rename a different local branch (that is NOT currently checked out):

$ git branch -m <old-name> <new-name>

How to Rename a Remote Branch in Git

Renaming remote branches is a tiny bit more complicated. To be precise, it's not directly possible. In practice, renaming a remote branch is done by simply deleting the old one and then pushing / recreating a new one:

# First, delete the current / old branch:
$ git push origin --delete <old-name>

# Then, simply push the new local branch with the correct name:
$ git push -u origin <new_name>

Learn More

• Check out our command overview on git branch
• More frequently asked questions about Git & version control