Rename tables (Database Engine)
Applies to: SQL Server 2016 (13.x) and later Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance
This article covers how to rename a table in a database.
To rename a table in Azure Synapse Analytics or Parallel Data Warehouse, use RENAME OBJECT.
Limitations
Caution
Think carefully before you rename a table. If existing queries, views, user-defined functions, stored procedures, or programs refer to that table, the name modification makes these objects invalid.
Renaming a table doesn't automatically rename references to that table. You must manually modify any objects that reference the renamed table. For example, if you rename a table and that table is referenced in a trigger, you must modify the trigger to reflect the new table name. Use sys.sql_expression_dependencies to list dependencies on the table before renaming it.
Permissions
Requires ALTER permission on the table.
Use SQL Server Management Studio
Always use the latest version of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
Rename a table
In Object Explorer, right-click the table you want to rename and choose Design from the shortcut menu.
From the View menu, choose Properties.
In the field for the Name value in the Properties window, type a new name for the table.
To cancel this action, press the ESC key before leaving this field.
From the File menu, choose Save table name.
Rename a table
In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of Database Engine.
On the Standard bar, select New Query.
The following example renames the
SalesTerritory
table toSalesTerr
in theSales
schema. Copy and paste the following example into the query window and select Execute.USE AdventureWorks2022; GO EXEC sp_rename 'Sales.SalesTerritory', 'SalesTerr';
Important
The sp_rename
syntax for @objname
should include the schema of the old table name, but @newname
does not include the schema name when setting the new table name.