Unix Command To Rename A Folder

Syntax to rename a directory on Unix

The syntax is as follows:
mv old-folder-name new-folder-name

OR

mv /path/to/old /path/to/new

Example: Unix rename a directory command

In this example, a folder called drivers is renamed as olddrivers. Open a terminal (shell prompt) and type the following commands:

ls
mv drivers oldrivers 
ls

OR pass the -v option to get verbose output:

ls
mv -v drivers oldrivers 
ls

Do not prompt for confirmation before overwriting

mv -f dir1 dir2

Prompt for confirmation before overwriting

mv -i dir1 dir2

Pass the -n option to mv command to do not overwrite an existing file/dirname. The -n option overrides any previous -f or -i options:

mv -n dir1 dir2

Recommend readings

• mv(1) command man page
• mv command examples and usage