Rap Name Generator

Click any name to copy it

How This Works

Just type your name (or leave it blank) and click one of the buttons. You'll get a list of rapper names you can use.

We have three generators:

Historical Tags - Names with classic vibes
SuperHero Tags - Names inspired by comic book characters
Some Random - Mix of different styles

About Rap Names

Picking a rap name is harder than it looks. I spent weeks trying to come up with mine back in 2019. Tried everything from using my real name to asking friends for ideas.

Here's what I learned: good rap names stick in your head. When someone hears "Kendrick Lamar" or "J. Cole," they remember it. But when you make it too complicated like "Lil Xxxanxxxax" (yes, that's real), people forget it.

The whole hip-hop culture has always been about creating an identity that stands out. Your name is part of that identity.

Why Rappers Use Stage Names

Most rappers don't use their real names. Marshall Mathers became Eminem. Shawn Carter became Jay-Z. Calvin Broadus became Snoop Dogg.

There are practical reasons for this:

Search engines work better - Try searching "John Smith rapper" vs "Lil Nas X". Which one do you think shows the right person?

Social media handles - @johnsmith is probably taken. @lilfrostbite might be available.

Brand separation - Keeps your personal life separate from your music career.

Real Stories Behind Famous Names

Eminem got his name from his initials - M&M (Marshall Mathers). He just spelled it differently. You can read more about stage names in music history and how artists choose them.

50 Cent took his name from a Brooklyn robber named Kelvin Martin who went by "50 Cent" in the 80s. Curtis Jackson said it fit because he wanted to make a change from "nothin' to somethin'".

Ice Cube - His older brother started calling him that because he was "cold as ice" when he got mad.

Snoop Dogg - His mom called him Snoopy as a kid because he looked like the cartoon character. He added "Dogg" later.

Drake just uses his middle name. His full name is Aubrey Drake Graham.

Cardi B comes from Bacardi. It was her nickname before she got famous on Instagram.

What Makes Names Work

After watching hundreds of rappers try to make it, I notice the same patterns.

Short is better - "Drake" beats "Drake the Great Supreme Master MC". People won't remember long names.

Easy to say - If people can't pronounce it, they won't talk about your music.

Available online - Check Instagram, TikTok, YouTube before you commit. You need @yourname available.

Not already famous - Don't pick something like "Lil Drake" or "Young Eminem". You'll just confuse people.

Common Mistakes

I see these mistakes all the time:

Too many numbers - Names like "69rapper420" look unprofessional.

Copying big artists - Stop making "Lil [something]" names. There are thousands already.

Weird spellings - "XxXDarkRapperXxX" was cool in 2010. Not anymore.

Offensive names - Platforms will ban you. Keep it clean.

Before You Decide

Test your name first:

1. Say it out loud 10 times
2. Google it and see what comes up
3. Check if the Instagram and TikTok handles exist
4. Ask 5 people if they can spell it after hearing it once
5. Wait a week and see if you still like it

Your name is your brand. Take time with this decision.

Different Name Styles

Wu-Tang Style - These names sound mystical. The Wu-Tang Clan started this trend with names like Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon. Our Wu-Tang generator follows that vibe.

City-Based - Using your city works. Look at A$AP Rocky (Harlem), Compton Menace, or Brooklyn Queen.

Descriptive - Names that describe you or your style. Like "Big" Notorious B.I.G. or "Lil" Wayne (he's actually small).

Where To Use Your Name

Once you pick a name, claim it everywhere:

Music - Spotify for Artists, Apple Music, SoundCloud, YouTube Music
Social - Instagram, TikTok, Twitter
Video - YouTube, Twitch
Domain - Buy yourname.com if you can

Get the same username on all platforms. Makes it easier for fans to find you.

Questions People Ask

Can I change my rap name later?
Yes, but it's annoying. Diddy changed his name 3 times (Puff Daddy → P. Diddy → Diddy). Each time he lost fans who couldn't find him. Pick something you can stick with.

Do I need "Lil" or "Young" in my name?
No. Those prefixes are everywhere now. Standing out is harder when you sound like everyone else.

Should I use my real name?
Some rappers do (J. Cole, Logic, Russ). It works if your real name sounds good and isn't already taken.

How do I know if a name is taken?
Google it. Check Spotify. Look on Instagram. If you find an active rapper using it, pick something else.

Can I use this commercially?
Yes. These are just suggestions. Once you pick a name, it's yours. But check trademarks if you get serious about your career. The USPTO trademark database lets you search registered names.

Try Our Other Tools

We have more name generators if you need them:

Fancy Text Generator - Make your text look cool
Instagram Font Generator - Different fonts for Instagram bios