WoW Forever character names: a main name, a secondary name and reservations from October 27

WoW Forever does not tie a character name to a realm. Every character has a main name and a secondary name. The full name is the two parts together, and it must be unique in your region. Early Name Reservation is available to players with an eligible upgrade purchase. The window is October 27 through November 3, 2026.

How do the two names work?

Character creation asks for a Main Name and a Secondary Name. The game describes the main name as "Your primary character name. It will be shown most often across the game." It describes the secondary name as "Used together with your Main Name to create your character's unique identity across the region." The secondary name works as a surname. Players can share a main name, or share a secondary name, when the full names differ.

Which names does the game accept?

The client checks each name.

• Use letters, with at most one apostrophe. That apostrophe cannot be the first or last character. Spaces are refused.
• At least 2 characters, and no more than 12.
• The same letter cannot be used three times in a row.
• Only one language.
• No mature language. A restricted name is refused.
• The name has to be filled in. The client can also refuse it with "Invalid character name".

Spaces are already forbidden. Two retained space checks add no further restriction. Their messages are "Can't use a space as the first or last character of your name" and "Names can't have consecutive spaces".

For Russian names, two silent symbols in a row are refused. The start-or-end silent-character message does not state a ban. The English client says "Silent characters are now allowed at the beginning or end of a name". Where a name has declensions, they must match the original name. The client says "Your declensions must match your original name".

Names must follow the in-game code of conduct for names. A name may be restricted if it could cause confusion, if it impersonates Blizzard or the World of Warcraft team, or if it conflicts with naming policy. That can apply to a word or a spelling. It can also apply to a repeated-character pattern. The game can judge both names together. A blocked word split across them may still fail. Your preferred name may be unavailable.

Can you hide your secondary name?

Yes, in the game world. Press Escape, open Options, then Nameplates, and clear the "My Secondary Name" checkbox. The secondary name then stays hidden in the world. The game describes the option as "Display your character's secondary name in the game world." Chat still shows the secondary name.

Who can reserve a name, and when?

Players with an eligible upgrade purchase can reserve names during Early Name Reservation. It is open from October 27 through November 3, 2026. Reservation is first come, first served. If the full name is taken, or if it fails these rules, choose another combination or generate a random name in the game.