GitHub Username Checker
For a developer tool or open-source project, the GitHub org or username is part of the brand. Check whether it is available, and whether the same name is free across domains and 45+ platforms, in one search.
GitHub username rules
A GitHub username can be up to 39 characters and may contain only alphanumeric characters and single hyphens, it cannot start or end with a hyphen, and consecutive hyphens are not allowed. The same rules apply to organization names. You can rename an account, but GitHub frees your old username for others to register and only sets up redirects for repositories, so links to your profile or pages can break.
What to do if your GitHub name is taken
If a GitHub username is taken, a hyphenated variant like "yourbrand-dev", "yourbrand-io", or "get-yourbrand" stays clean and conventional for developers. Because package registries, a docs site, and social handles should match, confirm the same name is free across 45+ platforms with the search above before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules for a GitHub username?
Up to 39 characters using only letters, numbers, and single hyphens; it cannot start or end with a hyphen or use two in a row.
What happens to my old GitHub username if I rename?
It is released for others to claim. GitHub redirects repositories, but profile and page links to the old name can break.
Do organization names follow the same rules?
Yes, GitHub organization names use the same character and length rules as usernames.
Should my GitHub name match other platforms?
Yes, for a dev brand, npm/PyPI, a docs domain, and socials should align. The tool above checks 45+ platforms at once.