When creating a catchy and unique username, there are limitations you need to consider. Create a username that stands out so that it is easily recognized by others and can reflect who you are. On the other hand, you shouldn't provide too much information that hackers can use to attack you. Therefore, keep security in mind when looking for username suggestions or using name generators. That said, make sure you have fun and come up with a unique name!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Imagination
Step 1. Check the username rules on the site you are using
Before designing a great username, make sure you can use it. For example, most sites don't allow users to use password or swear parts as usernames.
While personal information such as date of birth or address can still be used, its use is not recommended for security reasons
Step 2. Make a wordplay of the first name
Try choosing a username that rhymes like “ariskumis” or “anismanis”. You can also use an alliteration such as “GandhisGemes” or “RiaRicis”. Although strategic like this is not always unique, at least the name can still feel unique and interesting.
If you don't want to use a first name, use a middle name
Step 3. Combine two or more of your favorite things
Brainstorm things you love, then combine two or three words into a username. You can come up with weird or nonsensical usernames to increase your chances of getting a unique and unmatched username.
- For example, if you like coffee and pandas, you could create a username like “CoffeePanda”. For a more unique and quirky username, you can use “PandaLatte”.
- Use two things you like from different categories. For example, if you like volleyball and can play the viola, you could use a username like “VoliViola”.
Step 4. Insert memorable numbers on your favorite hobby or activity
As well as being easy to remember, a username created from something you love will be unique and personal. Since many usernames contain words like “pool” or “chef”, you may need to include specific numbers.
- One way that can be followed is to combine hobbies with the year of birth. For example, you could make “guitarist92” or “novelis91”.
- If you don't want to use your year of birth for privacy or security reasons, choose another number that's easy to remember and memorable. For example, if you always remember your first stand-up comedy performance in 2014, you could create a username like “OpenMic14”.
Step 5. Use old habits or interests that set you apart from others
Like most people, you probably have one or two interests, traits, feelings, or habits that your friends and family attribute only to you. Things like this set you apart from others and can be great inspiration for a username.
- For example, if you often sing while you're working on something, you could use a username like “BerrySinging”.
- Selected unique things do not have to be on you. For example, if all your friends just love chocolate, but you have an obsession with chocolate, your love for that type of food could be demonstrated in a username like “KokoChoco”.
Step 6. Combine your likes or interests with adjectives
Make two columns on a sheet of paper. In the left column, write down adjectives (funny, lazy, cool, sarcastic, etc.) that you can use to describe yourself. In the right column, jot down things you enjoy, including favorite activities, animals, or desserts. After that, combine one of the options with options from another column until you get a preferred pair.
Usually you can get a username from the “noun-adjective” pattern. For example, you could use a username like “Centil Cat” or “Noisy Panda”. Even if the pattern or formula used doesn't seem unique, at least the combination you get will be memorable
Step 7. Make sure the username of your choice conveys the right meaning
You may want to reflect humor or silliness in your username, or trigger a darker or deeper reaction. Keep this in mind when you are designing multiple usernames, especially when deciding which name to use.
For example, a user name that seems funny for a novelist is “Nulis while Ngopi”. As a more in-depth option, you can use “Pen Dance”
Method 2 of 3: Prioritizing Security
Step 1. Choose as many usernames as you can manage
For the highest level of security, choose a different username for each website, app, or platform you use. This way, you can prevent hackers from taking advantage of a "cascade effect" attack to gain access to any of your accounts.
- For even tighter security, use a password manager service that generates random usernames and passwords. After that, save both information in a safe place. LastPass is a fairly popular app option for this kind of need.
- In a cascade effect attack, hackers use information obtained from one account to guess at other information that can be exploited to access a different account.
Step 2. Repeat using usernames by category if you don't want to have multiple usernames
At a minimum, use a different username for each managed account category. For example, choose one username for social media accounts, one for game accounts, one for banking accounts, and so on.
- Never use the same username and password combination for different accounts.
- Having one username for each category makes it easier for you to remember, and limits the potential danger of hacking with cascade effects.
Step 3. Use the full name only when necessary in a professional context
You may feel that a username like “BudiUtomo” will not reflect your identity very much. However, persistent hackers can track down more detailed information about you just by knowing your name. Therefore, the full name is better used in a professional context only so you need to limit it to that category.
- A combination of name (used professionally) and occupation (or field of work) can be an appropriate username option. For example, you could use a username such as “ChefJoni”, “LawyerParis”, or “VallenSoundSystem”.
- For non-professional account categories, do not use full names (or names commonly used by clients or coworkers).
Step 4. Do not use home numbers, telephone numbers, or social security card numbers (including ID numbers)
Adding a number is an easy way to create a unique username. However, don't let hackers give you a chance by divulging a little personal information. With a few digits of your phone number or social security card number (or other identification number), a skilled hacker can already find important information about you.
- Ideally, don't use the date or year of birth. Also, you may not use the full date of birth in the username (eg “BudiDoraemon010203”).
- Use numbers that don't reflect personal information, but still have meaning, such as your age when you first met someone, age when you finished your first marathon, or grandpa's house number.
Step 5. Don't use email address as username
For example, if your email address is “[email protected]”, don't use “VallenVia” as your gaming, banking, or other account username. Keep your email address different from other usernames.
This is another simple way to make it difficult for hackers
Method 3 of 3: Using a Username Generator Service
Step 1. Try different username generator services to find the one you prefer
There are various websites that offer username generator services. Some of the more popular options include Jimpix, BestRandoms, and Screen Name Creator. Try a few sites and see the results you get!
- Later in this segment, you'll find out how to use a fairly common username generator service with SpinXO. This site allows you to enter a variety of words and characters in order to come up with a unique username. After that, the selected username uniqueness test will be performed.
- Please note that this article does not advertise SpinXO. This article only represents an example of a common process that you need to follow when using a username generator service.
Step 2. Answer the questions about yourself to display the username options
At the top of the SpinXO page, fill in one or more of the fields below:
- “Name or Nickname” – Name (or commonly used nickname).
- "What are you like?” – Enter a word or phrase to describe yourself.
- "Hobbies? – Type in a hobby or two that you enjoy.
- “Things you Like” – List one or more things you like.
- “Important Words?” – Enter one or two preferred words.
- "Numbers?” – Enter a number or two that you like.
Step 3. Click SPIN
This orange button appears to the right of the text field. A list of 30 username options based on the information you provided will be displayed.
Step 4. Check the list of usernames displayed
In the list of results below the text field, look for the preferred username.
-
If there is no preferred result, click the button again “ SPIN!
” to show new options.
Step 5. Select a name from the list
Click the name you want to use. After that, you will be taken to a new page. On this page, Spin XO will check the availability of the name on various popular social media platforms.
- Currently, the platforms that can be checked include Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, Blogger, PSN, Reddit, and sites with.com domains.
- Other username generator sites may offer a platform check feature. Therefore, it's a good idea to try other sites as well.
Step 6. Check name availability
Pay attention to the "Username Availability" segment. If you see the message " Available " on the right side of all the social media platforms displayed, your username is unique enough and ready to go!
If you want to edit and recheck the availability of the username, change it and enter a new aspect of the username in the text field that appears at the top of the page. After that, click the button " Check ” under the column.
Tips
- Technically, the number placed at the end of the name makes the options you enter more unique. However, avoid this technique or method if you want your username to be easily remembered by others.
- Try creating a username that is unique, but simple enough and easy to remember.