How to Rename a Branch in Gitlab: 1-Min Guide

How to Rename a Branch in Gitlab

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to rename a Git branch in GitLab via the CLI.

Quick summary

This tutorial shows how to rename a branch in GitLab using the git branch -m command in the CLI. In just a few steps, developers can update a branch name locally and confirm the change is reflected in their GitLab repository.

Steps

In the CLI, run the command git branch -m followed by the current branch name (e.g., bug-A) and the new branch name (e.g., bug-B), then press Enter to execute the rename.
Run the command git branch to list all branches and verify the rename was applied successfully.
Confirm that the branch name (bug-A) has been renamed (bug-B) as reflected in the GitLab repository.

📌 Why this matters

Renaming a branch in GitLab is a common workflow task that keeps repositories organized and aligned with evolving project naming conventions. Using the git branch -m command in the CLI, developers can instantly update branch names without losing commit history or disrupting pull requests. This capability is essential for teams practicing GitFlow or maintaining clean, descriptive branch naming standards. Mastering branch management in GitLab helps development teams reduce confusion, improve code review efficiency, and maintain a scalable version control workflow.

Your product deserves an interactive demo

Start free

How to Integrate Replit with GitLab

How to Create a Pull Request in GitLab

How to Integrate Snyk with GitLab