If you’d prefer not to use your first name, try your middle name!

For example, if you like pandas and orcas, you might make your username “PandaWhale. " Or, if you’d like a more edgy username, you might try “KillerPanda. ” Try using two favorites from different categories. For instance, if you love ice hockey and creating art out of scrap metal, you might become “IceWelder. ”

One way to do this is to use your pastime in conjunction with your birth year—for example, “jennyrockclimber86” or “fictionauthor91. " If you’d prefer not to use your birth year for privacy or security purposes, choose another memorable set of digits. For instance, if you’ll always remember that you did your first stand-up comedy routine in 2014, you might become “OpenMic14. ”

For example, mention a favorite thing like “agirlandherpinkhat” or “rileylovesmacaroni. ” For a “finsta” account that only your friends will see, poke fun at yourself for a personality trait or tendency like “jasonisangstyagain. ” If you’re obsessed with kumquats, you might pick something like “kumquatkate. ”

You’ll often find usernames that derive from this “adjective-noun” formula—for instance, “DeviousChinchilla” or “AggravatedCremeBrulee. ” So, while the formula itself isn’t unique, the combination you come up with can be. When in doubt, add the adjective “official,” “real,” or “just” in front of your username to create something like “justmartinmckenna” or “officiallizardcollector. ”

For example, a silly username for a writer might be “CaffeinatedPenFiend,” while a more intense username could be something like “InkandFire. ”

For example if “southhamptonbakery” is taken, choose “southhampton_bakery. ” If your full name is taken, add a middle initial. For example, “mackenziejohnson” would become “mackenzieTjohnson. ” Keep it simple, and if possible, limit the amount of special characters and numbers you use. [4] X Research source

If you run a skincare business, you might pick “mollysnaturalskincare. ” If you’re a freelance designer, you could use something like “jamiekerrdesigns. ”

For instance, if you’re a food blogger you might choose a name like “SamanthaEatsNYC” or “TheFoodieInTallahassee. ”

You can put the title at the front of your username, like “CoachKendra24” or “ChefRodneyPeele. ” If it doesn’t feel as natural to put the title at the beginning, put it at the end. For instance, “alexgillphotographer” or “ReneeBlockAttorney” or “EdwardDSharpPlumber. ”[8] X Research source

If you can’t have exactly the same username, try to get as close as possible by adding a number or city name to the end of the username. That way, if people start to search the first parts of your username they remember, they’ll be more likely to actually find you than if you completely change the name.

The remainder of this section will walk you through using a common username generator, SpinXO. This site lets you plug in various words and traits to come up with a unique username, then tests your selected username for uniqueness. This is not an endorsement of SpinXO, however. It’s just a representative example of the general process you’ll follow if you use a username generator.

Name or Nickname - Your name or a common nickname. What are you like? - Enter any word or phrase here. Hobbies? - Add a word or two for your favorite hobby. Things you Like - List one or a few different things that you like. Important Words? - Add one or two words that you enjoy. Numbers? - Add one or two numbers that you enjoy.

If you don’t like any of the results, you can click SPIN! again to come up with new options.

The current platforms it checks are Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, Blogger, PSN, Reddit, and . com domains. Other username generator sites may check other platforms, so try a few of them out as well.

If you want to edit the username and check again, you can do so by changing or adding onto the username in the text box at the top of the page, then clicking Check below the text box.

For ultimate security, utilize a password manager service that produces completely randomized usernames and passwords for you, then stores them in a secure vault. [17] X Expert Source Luigi OppidoComputer & Tech Specialist Expert Interview. 31 July 2019. [18] X Research source LastPass is one well-known option. In a “cascade effect” attack, a hacker uses info gained from one account to guess their way into other accounts.

Try to avoid using the same username and password combination. [20] X Expert Source Luigi OppidoComputer & Tech Specialist Expert Interview. 31 July 2019. Having a single username per category makes it easier to remember them, and it also limits the potential damage of a “cascade effect” hack.

In non-professional categories, don’t use your full name or the name you go by.

Ideally, you shouldn’t use the day or year you were born, either. And definitely don’t use your entire birthdate—for example, “JohnSmith112483. ” Instead, use a number that’s less revealing but still meaningful to you, like your age when you had your first kiss, your finishing time in your first marathon, or your grandparents’ house number.

This is another simple way to make things a bit more difficult for hackers.