Updated:
1. Summon a named mob
/summon zombie ~ ~ ~ {CustomName:"Boss",CustomNameVisible:1b}CustomNameVisible:1b keeps the name visible from a distance. In Java 1.21.4 and earlier, write CustomName:'"Boss"'. On Bedrock, put the name after the mob type:
/summon zombie Boss ~ ~ ~2. Rename an existing mob (Java)
/data merge entity @e[type=cow,limit=1,sort=nearest] {CustomName:"Daisy",CustomNameVisible:1b}See the data command for more.
3. Colored names (Java 1.21.5+)
/summon zombie ~ ~ ~ {CustomName:{text:"Dark Boss",color:"dark_purple",bold:true},CustomNameVisible:1b}Colors work the same way as colored item names.
4. Pre-named name tag (Java)
/give @s minecraft:name_tag[custom_name="Rex"]No anvil needed. In Java 1.20.5 to 1.21.4, write custom_name='"Rex"'.
5. Remove a name (Java)
/data remove entity @e[type=cow,limit=1,sort=nearest] CustomName6. Special names
| Name | Effect |
|---|---|
| Dinnerbone or Grumm | The mob is upside down |
| jeb_ | A sheep cycles through rainbow colors |
| Toast | A rabbit gets a special skin |
| Johnny | A vindicator attacks other mobs too |
Names are case-sensitive.
7. Name every mob of a type (Java)
/execute as @e[type=zombie,distance=..30] run data merge entity @s {CustomName:"Minion",CustomNameVisible:1b}Every zombie within 30 blocks gets the name. Without distance, every loaded zombie stops despawning, so keep the range small. On 1.21.4 and earlier write CustomName:'"Minion"'.
8. Color names by team
/team add red
/team modify red color red
/team join red @e[type=zombie,limit=1,sort=nearest]A named mob on a team shows its name in the team color, which helps tell red and blue mobs apart in a mob battle. See the team command.
Troubleshooting
- No name: match the syntax to your Java version.
- Name hidden: add CustomNameVisible:1b.
- Players: player names cannot be changed with commands; team prefixes can change how they look.
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