Have you ever had a great idea for a new Instagram account, only to get stuck on the username? A lot goes into choosing a handle — it creates your digital first impression and sets the tone for your account.
Whether you’re an enthusiast building a personal brand, starting a new business account, or simply making a finsta, creating a memorable username is key to building your online presence.
In this article, we’ve compiled over 100 of the best Instagram name ideas to inspire you. We also spoke with Vanessa Blaho, Social Media Manager & creator of @vanessa.eats.prague, and Val Razo, Social Media Consultant, for their expert tips on how to craft the perfect Instagram username.
What is an Instagram username?
An Instagram username is a unique identifier representing a user, brand, or creator on the platform.
Usernames appear on profiles and in the account’s URL and are used to tag accounts in posts, comments, and stories — including Instagram story mentions. Instagram handles can be up to 30 characters long and include letters, numbers, periods, or underscores (no emojis or special characters).
For brands and influencers, a strong username helps build recognition and discoverability, reinforce your branding, and maintain consistency across social media platforms like TikTok.
Free Instagram username generator
Start generating usernames in seconds and find something that’s totally unique. Just type in keywords related to your business or personal interests like ‘adventure’ and ‘food’ and watch as hundreds of creative usernames appear on your screen.
Tell us about yourself and let AI come up with username suggestions for you.
Please note: This tool may display inaccurate or offensive material that doesn’t represent Hootsuite’s views. You’re solely responsible for use of any content generated using this tool, including its compliance with applicable laws and third party rights.
Psst: Want usernames for other social networks? Try our all-platform username generator that works for 10+ social networks.
109 Instagram username ideas
Just looking to browse some good Instagram username ideas for inspiration? Skip the brainstorming and check out the list below.
Instagram username ideas with your name
- Your first name and a word that rhymes with it. Examples: @LizDoesBiz, @JoGlows
- Your name plus your location. Examples: @Arden_NL, @LauraInLondon
- Combine your name and your favorite hobby. Examples: @ArtByAllison, @FoodieJoe
- Your first name plus “loves” and your favorite food, place, activity, or something else close to your heart. Examples: @SarahLovesGymnastics, @GraceLovesLace
- Add an honorific before your name, such as “miss”, “mr”, “dr”, or “prof”. Examples: @Miss.Excel, @ProfGalloway
- Combine your first or last name and your nickname. Examples: @AnthonyDwreck, @MomoWong
- Add an adjective before your name. Examples: @Outdoorsy_John, @Little.Laura
- Use your first, middle, or last name and your birth year. Examples: @Ava1995, @Danielle_92
- Combine your name or nickname and your favorite number. Examples: @Stamkos91, @Strombone1
- Combine your name and your account theme. Examples: @LaurDIY, @Anny.ASMR
- Put “the” in front of your name or nickname. Examples: @TheCheekyCath, @TheSillyBilly
- Reverse your last and first name. Examples: @Wong.Laura, @Sandiego_Carmen
- Choose a superlative that matches your personality and combine it with your name. Examples: @FearlessSam, @IncredibleGrace
- Choose an Instagram username idea that reflects your favorite food or drink. Examples: @CaffeineChris, @BobaLaura
- If you’re an artsy person, add words like “creative” or “inspired” to your first name. Examples: @KeithInspired, @CreativeBeth
- Combine your favorite color with your first name. Examples: @PatriciaInPink, @Victor_Violet
- Reference your favorite movie title, character, or quote. Examples: @CharliesDangles, @HakunaMatataHannah
- Show off your astrological enthusiasm by combining your sign and name. Examples: @GeminiGal, @AquariusAlex
- Reference your favorite vacation or travel spot. Examples: @MentallyInZanzibar, @IDreamOfSingapore
Source: @laurdiy
Business Instagram username ideas
- Create alliteration with your product or business name. Examples: @GourmetGrains, @PostPastries
- Combine a verb that describes your products or service and “with” along with your name. Examples: @TrainingWithCharlie, @GrowWithColby
- Combine your business name with a word that conveys quality and excellence. Examples: @PremiumPastries, @LuxuryLeathers
- Your business name and your primary location. Examples: @VancouverSleepClinic, @Chun_Ams
- Use words that represent your brand values or selling points. Examples: @EcoConciousLiving, @HonestHolly
- Add your category to your business name. Examples: @Kissahh_Labels, @OleeCosmetics, @Deqs_Apparel
- Add “brand” to the end of your username. Examples: @Luciee_Brand, @RoamTheBrand
- Use underscores to separate words. Examples: @Cheaper_By_The_Dozen, @The_Luxury_Realtor
- Choose a username that reflects your mission. Example: @Creatives_For_Climate, @EcoFriendlyBharat
- Combine your business name with an action word. Examples: @BuildingPickleball, @MakingMadeline
- Use keywords that people may use to search for you. Examples: @Fashionista_Sarah, @TravelBloggerBecky
- Combine an abbreviation and your category or business name. Examples: @GRWMCosmetics, @OOTDMagazine
- Combine your name and “by” with your product or service. Examples: @TunesByTaylor, @CeramicsByCelia
- Incorporate “HQ” to signify your business’ headquarters. Examples: @BrandHQ, @NameCentralHQ
- Add “co” to the end of your business name. Examples: @BeehiveCo, @LittleBlackBookCo
- Add “get” before your brand or business name. Examples: @GetPlenty, @Get_Joni
- Add “finds” to your name or brand if you curate recommendations or shopping ideas. Examples: @HotspotFinders, @FindysByKatie
- Use the word “solutions” to represent your brand’s problem-solving nature. Examples: @Forest.Solutions, @SolutionsByGoldy
- Add “studio” to your brand name for creative and design-based businesses. Examples: @PatchworkStudio, @StudioMoonrise
- Use “labs” to highlight your brand’s experimental spirit. Examples: @BrandNameLab, @LabMuffinBeautyScience
- If you have international reach, add “global” to your brand. Examples: @NikeGlobal, @MiroGlobal
- Highlight the connection or community aspect of your brand. Examples: @ConnectBrandName, @NameNetwork
- Create a sense of innovation. Examples: @InnovateBrandName, @NameInnovationHub
- Use “unite” to highlight your brand’s focus on unity and collaboration. Examples: @UniteBrandName, @KaraCollective
- Incorporate “elevate” to represent your brand’s ability to uplift and inspire. Examples: @ElevateBrandName, @JadeInspireCo
- Include time-related terms like “now” and “future”. Examples: @NowBrandName, @FutureNameCo
- Add “daily” to your name or brand. Examples: @BrandDaily, @DailyBrandName
Source: @get_joni
Cool Instagram username ideas
- Add words like “unfiltered” to your name. Examples: @AaronUnfiltered, @JenniferUnmasked
- Choose a username that reflects your style. Examples: @BohoBella, @GlamourousGreg
- Combine your name and your country’s top-level domain. Examples: @Petunia.jp, @Annie.nl
- Add .xyz to the end of your username. Examples: @Dolly.xyz, @FutureFrankxyz
- Use trendy slang. Examples: @RizzMaster, @DripLord
- Combine two words that match your vibe. Examples: @WanderLuxe, @LunarEcho
Source: @unfilteredgigi
Funny Instagram username ideas
- Make a creative play on words with your favorite food. Examples: @GuacAndRoll, @PastaLaVista
- Pretend you’re a celebrity and add “real” or “official” to your name or nickname. Examples: @RealAnthonyDerrick, @Miss_Charli_Official
- Replace a common phrase with your name. Examples: @DerekAndChill, @BetterCheckYousef
- Insert your name into a movie, show, or book title. Examples: @BetterCallPaul, @SavingPrivateBrian
- Make a pun using your favorite book or movie title plus your name. Examples: @TheJerminator, @CatcherInTheRays
- Allude to your favorite piece of pop culture. Examples: @PotterHeadLisa, @SherlockFanatic
- Remix a common phrase or idiom. Examples: @OopsIPostedAgain, @SarcasmLoading
Source: @miss_charli_official
Short Instagram username ideas
- Replace a letter in your first name with an “x” (works better for vowels). Examples: @Chxrlie, @Kxte
- Use your initials and combine it with a number. Examples: @LN4, @LDW27
- Use a period or underscore to separate or replace a letter in your name. Examples: @Jas.n, @Me.lia
- Use a number to replace a letter in your name. Examples: @T1mmy, @N0lan
- Add “AF” to the end of a name or word. Examples: @DankAF, @FireAF
- Combine your first name and initials, or vice versa. Examples: @LauraW, @LWong
- Choose short words from another language that you’re connected to or admire. Examples: @Lune, @Amor
Source: @dan.kc
Pro tip: Most (if not all) short Instagram usernames (4 characters or less) have already been claimed. Aim for five characters or more to give yourself the best chance of finding an unclaimed short name.
Cute Instagram username ideas
- Borrow a character’s name that rhymes with yours and replace it with your own. Examples: @LauraTheExplorer, @RangerNick
- Add “Life” and combine it with your name. Examples: @LifeWithTalia, @LifeByLulu
- Add “By” before your name. Examples: @ByChloeNguyen, @BySarahNoack
- Combine common phrases or idioms with your name. Examples: @ChloeMadeMeBuyIt, @WhamBamSam
- Combine your first name and the word “dreamer” or “dreamy.” Examples: @EllyTheDreamer, @Dreamy_Moons
- Add “with love” to your name. Examples: @WithLoveLinh, @FromViennaWithLove
- Use your first name and your birth month flower. Examples: @RoseRiley, @LilyLogan
- Use keywords like “artist,” “designer,” or “maker” in your username. Examples: @ArtistBrandName, @MakerArjun
- Combine your first name with “chronicles” or “wanderlust” to match your adventurous spirit. Examples: @TheJaneChronicles, @JohnsWanderlust
Source: @withlovelinh
Unique Instagram username ideas
- Invent a new word. Examples: @Asana, @Kajabi
- Translate your name or nickname into a foreign language. Bonus if it’s a fictional language like Elvish or Klingon. Examples: @Lothwe, @Drexar
- Use your last name (if it’s unique or has an unusual spelling). Examples: @Dykstra, @Codru
- If your name or brand is a common word, change the spelling. Examples: @Beehiiv, @Lyft
- Duplicate a vowel or consonant in your name. Examples: @Luciee, @Tiiimothy
- Reverse the spelling of your name. Examples: @Arual, @Mailliw
Source: @tiiieeen
Aesthetic username ideas for Instagram
- Pretend you’re a fantasy novel author and change your name to a more uncommon spelling. Examples: @Sereina, @Yrene
- If you have a name that rhymes or sounds similar to “Instagram,” use it to replace part of the word. Examples: @Lizstagram, @Instagraham
- Add a file extension after your name. Examples: @Lando.jpg, @Felipe.gif
- If you’re passionate about photography, combine your name with “sights,” “snaps,” or “pixels.” Examples: @SightsOfSara, @SnapsByFox
- Shorten your name by dropping vowels or the end syllables. Examples: @Ju.Fas, @Mnque
- Combine your birthstone with your account theme. Examples: @RubyExplorer, @SapphireEats
Source: @lando.jpg
Pet Instagram username ideas
- Use an adjective associated with your pet’s breed and name. Examples: @TinyTimothy, @BouncyBrenda
- Use an animal-themed pun with words like “paw,” “furry,” “fluffy,” or “tail.” Examples: @ThePawfectLife, @TailsOfAdventure
- Replace a common phrase, movie title, or character name with an animal pun. Examples: @ClawAndOrder, @WhiskerDiaries
- Insert “and” between two pet-related words. Examples: @FetchAndSniff, @BarkAndRoll
- Use an animal-related adjective along with a synonym for “stories”. Examples: @FeaturedFables, @TheFurryChronicles
- Combine your name and your pet’s name. Examples: @BellaAndMe, @TheAdventuresOfMaxAndTally
- Combine an animal pun and a famous person’s name. Examples: @BarkAndreFurry, @KatiePurry
Source: @barkandrefurry
Instagram username ideas for meme pages
- Combine “meme” and a random word to match the energy of your account. Examples: @MemeFiesta, @SpicyMemeSauce
- Create a rhyme with a meme-related term like “lol.” Examples: @ScrollAndLOL, @JokesForBoredFolks
- Make a pun from the word “meme.” Examples: @EpicMemery, @Memezar
- Combine two random words—the weirder, the better. Examples: @TrashyGold, @UnicornBurps
- Make an allusion to trending phrases and memes. Examples: @ZeroChillMemes, @YeetYourMeme
- Come up with something playful and ridiculous. It’s a meme page, after all. Examples: @MemeLordsUnited, @WhoEvenMadeThis
- Combine “lolz,” “laughs,” or “jokes” with another word. Examples: @SavageLOLz, @DailyBadLaughs
- Get inspiration from popular hashtags. Examples: @ViralVibesOnly, @MemeTok
Source: @memezar
Beauty Instagram username ideas
- Combine your name and your account theme. Examples: @BeautyWith_Ell, @GetReadyWithSarah
- Combine “beauty” with your name or brand. Examples: @Haeol_Beauty, @RaincouverBeauty
- Get inspiration from the most common techniques or lessons you share on your account. Examples: @WingedPerfection, @ContourQueen
- Use “and” to combine two beauty-related terms. Examples: @BlushAndBlend, @GlitterAndSparkles
- Combine “glam” with your name or brand. Examples: @GlamByKatie, @AllThingsGlam
- Choose aspirational terms related to your audience’s needs. Examples: @DewyDaze, @RadiantByNature
- Inspire followers to come on a personal journey with you. Examples: @GoldenGlowDiary, @MyRoseTintedLife
Source: @beautywith_ell
5 tips to craft a great Instagram username, according to the experts
Crafting a creative Instagram username isn’t just about picking a random name — it’s about combining uniqueness and strategy to ensure your handle resonates with the right audience.
By adding a little creativity, you can create a username that leaves a lasting impression and helps you build a strong online identity. These tips will guide you to boost your Instagram presence and make your profile easy to find and remember.
Tip 1: Research existing accounts for inspiration
Blaho shares that, in the past, I’ve done keyword searches on Instagram for the specific products or services my brand offers. Then I went through the accounts that showed up and gathered inspiration for my own username.”
Wildly simple, and inspired by wordplay!
Tip 2: Choose the first character carefully
Remember that when your friends or audience want to tag you on Instagram, they usually start by typing your username’s first letter(s).
Avoid starting it with a number, punctuation, or word not strongly associated with your brand.
Tip 3: Avoid excessive numbers and punctuation
One unwritten rule of social media is that usernames with many non-alphabetical characters are considered messy or unprofessional.
Razo advises to “avoid numbers unless it’s the year of your business establishment, as numbers make usernames look weaker.” Also, avoid cluttering your IG username with special characters.
Tip 4: Make it easy to remember and fun
Blaho advises taking inspiration from your most iconic products.
For example, “if I’m opening a taco stand in San Diego and the most popular item on the menu is fish tacos, then I want to convey that in the name: @TacosByTheBeachSD or @JohnnysFishTacoFiesta.”
“It should be easy for your audience to know what you’re about, but also fun.”
Tip 5: Make it searchable
With Instagram’s increasing focus on search, Razo suggests making usernames SEO-friendly.
“Include relevant keywords in your username to make it easy for your target audience to find you when searching for your products/services.” A great creative Instagram username is not only memorable but also boosts discoverability.
#1 for Instagram marketing
Schedule posts, Reels, and Stories. Answer comments and DMs, and build beautiful reports. It’s so easy.
Start free 30-day trial
What to do if your Instagram username is taken
If you’ve come up with an exquisitely crafted Instagram username only to find someone has already taken it, don’t despair. Here are a few tactics you can try:
- File a claim: If your trademarked business name has been registered as a username on Instagram, you may be able to retrieve it via a trademark claim. Note that there are many conditions to be considered a trademark infringement, which you can read here.
- Reach out to the user: “I once had a client who wanted their business name without any additional characters, so they reached out to the account and requested to take over the name,” shares Blaho
- Get creative with alternate characters: Add a period, underscore, or numbers to your desired name. For example: @your.name, @your_name, @yourname123
- Add a word: Add a generic word to the beginning or end of your preferred name. Some prefix ideas include: “the,” “official,” “with,” and “by”. Some suffix ideas: “co,” “HQ,” “brand,” and “solutions”.
Start building your Instagram presence using Hootsuite. Schedule and publish posts directly to Instagram, engage your audience, measure performance, and run all your other social media profiles — all from one simple dashboard. Try it free today.
