claude /rename: Tag Sessions With Names to Find Them Later

When you juggle several tasks at once, going back later with /resume (continuing a previous session) leaves you lost about which one was which task. /rename is a command that tags the current session with an easy-to-recognize name. As a beginner-level command, you can try it right away without pressure, and it helps with organizing work immediately.

Definition (What It Is)

/rename is a command that changes the name of the current session (a single unit of work with Claude Code kept open). The name you set is shown in the prompt bar (the area around the input box that shows the current status) and the /resume list.

A session basically has an auto-generated name or identifier, which is hard for a person to tell what task it is. If you tag it with a name yourself, you can later spot it right away in the session list and think, "Ah, this was that payment-feature work."

How to Use It (By Difficulty)

Basic — Specifying the Name Directly

Type the name you want after the command.

/rename payment-feature-work

Doing this tags the current session with the name "payment-feature-work." Afterward, that name appears in the prompt bar and the /resume list.

Applied — Automatic Naming

When it's awkward to decide a name, type it with nothing after.

/rename

Then, based on the conversation so far, Claude Code automatically comes up with a fitting name. It's handy when you're too lazy to agonize over each name.

Common Pitfalls

• The name is just a label for distinguishing the session; it doesn't change file names or folder names. It has no effect on your code or project.
• If you tag too many sessions with very similar names, you'll end up confused again. It's good to name them distinctly, like "payment-API" and "payment-UI."

Real-World Example

It shines when developing several features in parallel. If you tag each session as you start it with /rename, like "login-work" and "payment-feature-work," you can later look at just the list in /resume and return precisely to the work you want.

Taking It Further

It's also good for updating the name when work has drifted in a different direction. If you started with "bug-fix" but it has since spread into adding features, change the name to fit the current work with /rename. Your future self won't get confused.

Summary

/rename is a beginner-level command that changes the current session name and shows it in the prompt bar and /resume. You can specify the name directly or leave it blank and let it auto-name. It's a big help for organizing sessions and finding them quickly when handling several tasks at once.

Reference: Claude Code v2.1.154 (2026.05)