Renaming tables

You can rename a table or feature class in ArcGIS for Desktop by right-clicking it, clicking Rename, then typing a new name.

The following conditions apply:

• If the table is in a database or enterprise, workgroup, or desktop geodatabase, you must connect as the table owner to rename it.
• DB2 does not allow tables to be renamed if the tables have a referential constraint defined on them.
• PostGIS system tables do not update when spatial tables (feature classes) are renamed; therefore, you cannot rename tables that contain a PostGIS geometry column.

Be aware that you cannot rename a feature class in a geodatabase outside of ArcGIS (for example, using SQL) because it does not update the table name in the geodatabase system tables.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap and open the Catalog window or start ArcCatalog.
2. Connect to the geodatabase or database.
3. Right-click the table or feature class and click Rename.

   The name is highlighted.

4. Type a new name.

   Names must start with a letter and cannot exceed the maximum number of characters the DBMS allows for table names.