docker-rename
Rename an existing Docker container
TLDR
View documentation for the original command
SYNOPSIS
docker rename [OPTIONS] CONTAINER NEW_NAME
PARAMETERS
CONTAINER
Current container name or ID
NEW_NAME
New unique container name
DESCRIPTION
The docker rename command changes the name of a Docker container identified by its current name or ID to a new unique name. This operation is lightweight, atomic, and does not interrupt the container's execution, whether running or stopped. It preserves all container data, configuration, volumes, and state.
Containers are core to Docker's workflow, and naming them meaningfully aids management, scripting, and orchestration. Use this command to fix typos, reorganize projects, or align with naming conventions in tools like Docker Compose or Kubernetes.
Permissions require ownership or Docker daemon access. The target name must be unique across all containers on the host. Failure occurs if the source doesn't exist or the target is taken. No options are container-specific; standard Docker CLI flags apply globally.
CAVEATS
New name must be unique; source container must exist. Single container only per invocation. No support for bulk renames.
EXAMPLES
docker rename old-app new-app
docker rename sha256:abc123 mycontainer
EXIT CODES
0: success
1: generic error (e.g., name conflict)
HISTORY
Introduced in Docker 1.0 (2014) as part of core CLI for container lifecycle management. Evolved with Docker Engine; stable since inception with minor usability tweaks in later releases.
