How do you use a name tag in Minecraft?

Who this is for: Minecraft players wanting to name and preserve their favorite mobs or create special effects.


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Getting Your Name Tag Ready

Before you can use a name tag in Minecraft, you’ll need to rename it at an anvil. Place the name tag in the first slot and type your desired name in the text field. This costs 1 experience level, but it’s essential since blank name tags won’t work on mobs.

Using Name Tags on Mobs

Once renamed, simply hold the name tag and right-click (or tap on mobile) any mob you want to name. The mob will instantly display the custom name above its head in white text. This works on almost all creatures including villagers, animals, and even hostile mobs like zombies and creepers.

Special Naming Effects

Certain names trigger unique behaviors:

  • “Dinnerbone” or “Grumm” – Flips the mob upside down
  • “jeb_” – Makes sheep cycle through rainbow colors
  • “Toast” – Gives rabbits a special memorial skin

Important Rules and Tips

Named mobs become permanent fixtures in your world – they won’t despawn naturally like unnamed creatures. This makes name tags perfect for protecting valuable animals or creating persistent NPCs. You can name the same mob multiple times to change its name, though each use requires a freshly renamed tag.

Remember that name tags are relatively rare items found in dungeons, fishing, or trading with librarian villagers. On touch devices, the naming process works identically – just tap the mob after renaming your tag at an anvil.

Whether you’re organizing your farm animals or creating memorable characters, name tags add a personal touch that makes your Minecraft world truly unique.

TL;DR

Rename a name tag at an anvil (costs 1 XP), then right-click any mob to give it a permanent custom name that prevents despawning.

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Joyst1ck

Gaming Writer & HTML5 Developer

Answering gaming questions—from Roblox and Minecraft to the latest indie hits. I write developer‑focused HTML5 articles and share practical tips on game design, monetisation, and scripting.

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