Simple Nicknames
by donutello
Players who want a custom display name on a server can set one with Simple Nicknames, which changes how the name appears across the game.
What it does
Simple Nicknames is a configurable nickname mod. A nickname replaces the player's name above the character's head, in chat messages, in the Tab player list and on name scoreboards. Where the name appears can be set in the config file, and a nickname still keeps any team colors that are already applied.
The mod works with a simple command gated by a permission, and moderators can manage the nicknames of other users, assign random nicks or list the nicked users. Fabric API is required on both loaders, and the mod also supports MiniMessage formatting, which stays disabled by default so players cannot color their nicknames until it is turned on. Both the server and the clients are expected to run it, and both sides are recommended for the full feature set. Files are published for Fabric and NeoForge across 17 release versions, 1.20.1 – 26.3, under All rights reserved.
Key features
Nickname command
Players set a nickname with a simple command, and a permission controls who may use it.
Moderator tools
Moderators can change or assign nicknames for other users, assign random nicks and list nicked users.
Display locations
The nickname can replace the name above the head, in chat, in the Tab list and on name scoreboards, with each location set in the config file.
MiniMessage formatting
Nicknames can use MiniMessage formatting when the option is enabled, and stay plain otherwise.
Entity Culling fix
The mod fixes a blacklist entry for minecraft:player in Entity Culling configs, so the normal username no longer shows through walls as a nametag.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
26.x5 of 5 versions with builds
1.21.x11 of 11 versions with builds
1.20.x1 of 1 version with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 1
Use cases
Who it’s for: Server owners and moderators who want players to set custom display names, plus players on servers that run the mod. It suits multiplayer servers with a staff team.
How it compares
Fabric Custom Names is server-side only and open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only, with files for 1.19.2 – 26.3 on Fabric and NeoForge. CustomNameTags is also server-side only, open source under the MIT License and published for Fabric across 1.20 – 26.3. Simple Nicknames is client and server and is not open source, so both sides need it for the full feature set.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Nicknames | Fabric and NeoForge | 1.20.1 – 26.3 | Client and server | 2026-09-18 |
| Fabric Custom Names | Fabric and NeoForge | 1.19.2 – 26.3 | Server-side only | 2026-10-02 |
| CustomNameTags | Fabric | 1.20 – 26.3 | Server-side only | 2026-09-15 |
Questions
Does Simple Nicknames need Fabric API?
Should Simple Nicknames be installed on the client and the server?
Which game versions have files for Simple Nicknames?
In the catalog
Simple Nicknames is one of 5,392 Social mods on ModsFinder, and one of 4,084 Social mods for Fabric. 8,071 mods support Minecraft 26.3.
More from donutello
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What the author says
A straightforward nickname system for your Minecraft server that allows players to customize their display names across the game. This mod is currently in beta. While it's functional, you may encounter bugs or unexpected behavior. Please report any issues you find so I can continue improving the mod!
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/simple-nicknames
- Owner
- donutello
- Published
- 2025-12-07
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-09-18
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15