You can rename your character using the console command in Skyrim, but only on PC

The only way to change your character's name after you've created them is to open the console on a PC version of Skyrim and type a specific command. Console commands do not work on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch versions of the game. If you're playing on console, you cannot rename your character mid-game—you would need to start a new character with the name you want.

The command itself is short and takes about 30 seconds to enter. You do not need to install mods or restart the game. The name change takes effect when ready and appears everywhere in the game: your character sheet, dialogue, and any custom items you've crafted.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the console on PC by pressing the tilde key (~), type player.setname "Your New Name", and press Enter to rename your character when ready.
  • Console commands work only on PC versions of Skyrim; PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch players cannot rename characters mid-game.
  • Your new name appears on your character sheet, in dialogue, and on any items you craft after the change.
  • Close the console by pressing the tilde key (~) again after you enter the command.

Opening the Console on Your PC

The console is a text input window that lets you enter commands directly into the game. On most English keyboards, you open it by pressing the tilde key (~), which is usually located in the top-left corner of your keyboard, just below the Escape key. If you're using a non-English keyboard layout, the key may be in a different location—try the key to the left of the number 1, or check your keyboard's layout settings.

When you press the correct key, a black text box appears at the bottom of your screen. The cursor will be blinking inside it, ready for input. If nothing happens, you may be using a keyboard layout that doesn't have a tilde key in the standard position. Try pressing Shift and the key next to 0, or check your system keyboard settings to find the equivalent key for your layout.

Typing the Name Change Command

Once the console is open, type the command exactly as shown: player.setname "Your New Name". Replace "Your New Name" with the name you want. The quotation marks around the name are required—do not leave them out. For example, if you want to name your character "Alduin Slayer," you would type: player.setname "Alduin Slayer".

After you've typed the command, press Enter. The console will process the command and your character's name will change when ready. You do not need to save, restart, or do anything else. The change is permanent and will carry forward if you load a save file from before the name change.

Closing the Console and Verifying the Change

Press the tilde key (~) again to close the console. You'll return to the normal game view. Open your character sheet by pressing C (or the button mapped to your character menu) to see your new name displayed at the top of the screen. The name will also appear in dialogue when NPCs refer to you, and it will show on any items you craft or enchant after the change.

If you made a typo or want to change the name again, straightforward open the console and enter the command a second time with a different name. There is no limit to how many times you can use this command.

What Happens to Items You Crafted Before the Change

Any weapons, armor, or items you crafted or enchanted before you changed your name will still show your old character name on them. Only items you create after the name change will display your new name. If this bothers you, you can use a console command to rename those items individually, but most players find it's not worth the effort—the old items straightforward become part of your character's history.

If you want to keep your gear looking consistent with your new name, you can drop the old items and craft new ones, or use the player.additem command to spawn fresh versions of items you want to keep.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is forgetting the quotation marks around your new name. The command will not work without them. Another mistake is pressing the wrong key to open the console—if you're not on an English keyboard, the tilde key may not be where you expect. Take a moment to locate it before you try.

Do not include special characters like asterisks, slashes, or brackets in your name, as these can cause the command to fail or behave unexpectedly. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation like hyphens or apostrophes. If the command doesn't work on your first try, close the console, check your keyboard layout, and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my character's name on PlayStation or Xbox?

No. Console commands are only available on PC versions of Skyrim. If you're playing on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, you cannot rename your character after creation. Your only option is to start a new character with the name you want.

Will changing my name break quests or save files?

No. Changing your name does not affect quests, saves, or any game mechanics. The name is purely cosmetic and appears only in dialogue and on your character sheet. Your save file will work exactly as it did before.

What if the console command doesn't work?

Make sure you're using the correct key for your keyboard layout—the tilde (~) is in different places on different keyboards. Verify you included quotation marks around your new name. If you're still having trouble, try closing and reopening the console, or restarting the game.

Can I use special characters or very long names?

You can use letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. Avoid special characters like asterisks, slashes, or brackets, as they may cause errors. There is no hard limit on name length, but very long names may look awkward in dialogue and on your character sheet.

Do I need to save after changing my name?

No. The name change takes effect when ready and is saved automatically the next time you save your game. You do not need to do anything special after entering the command.