SQL RENAME TABLE / COLUMN – Change Table or Field Names Safely

Introduction – Why Rename in SQL?

Renaming tables or columns in SQL is a common maintenance task when evolving database schemas. It helps improve clarity, align with new naming conventions, or fix legacy inconsistencies.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to rename tables and columns across SQL engines
• Platform-specific syntax (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server)
• Best practices for safe schema refactoring

1. RENAME TABLE Syntax

-- MySQL
RENAME TABLE old_table TO new_table;

-- PostgreSQL
ALTER TABLE old_table RENAME TO new_table;

-- SQL Server
EXEC sp_rename 'old_table', 'new_table';

Always test the rename in dev or staging first.

2. RENAME COLUMN Syntax

-- PostgreSQL / SQL Server 2016+
ALTER TABLE table_name RENAME COLUMN old_col TO new_col;

-- MySQL (requires full column definition)
ALTER TABLE table_name CHANGE old_col new_col datatype;

-- SQL Server
EXEC sp_rename 'table.old_col', 'new_col', 'COLUMN';

Syntax varies. Be cautious with MySQL—it needs the full type.

3. Example – Rename Column in Products

-- PostgreSQL
ALTER TABLE products RENAME COLUMN desc TO description;

-- MySQL
ALTER TABLE products CHANGE desc description VARCHAR(255);

Updates the column name while preserving structure and data.

4. Impact of Renaming

• May break views, triggers, procedures, and application queries
• Rename in source control and application code too
• Check for dependent foreign key constraints or indexes

Best Practices

Summary – Recap & Next Steps

Renaming SQL tables and columns is important for schema clarity and evolution. However, it’s a potentially disruptive action—plan, test, and communicate before deploying.

Key Takeaways:

• Use ALTER TABLE RENAME or sp_rename based on platform
• Always review dependent objects (views, scripts, code)
• Include renames in migration/version control systems

Real-World Relevance:
Used in schema refactoring, rebranding, normalization, and legacy migrations.

Next: Learn ALTER TABLE for more structural changes or explore dependency tracking tools.

FAQ – SQL RENAME TABLE / COLUMN

Can I rename a table in SQL?

Yes. Use ALTER TABLE ... RENAME TO or RENAME TABLE depending on DBMS.

Can I rename a column in SQL Server?

Yes. Use sp_rename for columns:

EXEC sp_rename 'table.column', 'new_name', 'COLUMN';

Will renaming affect indexes or keys?

No, but you should verify their dependencies.

Is there a way to rollback a rename?

Not automatically. Rename again or restore from backup.