Docker Name Generator

What are Docker-style names?

Docker containers are often given quirky, human-readable names like agitated_torvalds or bold_turing. These names combine an adjective with the surname of a notable scientist or hacker, making it easier to identify and manage containers in development or production environments.

Fun fact: the Docker team froze the list in 2022 to avoid debates to avoid endless debates over new entries (see the GitHub discussion).

Why should I use this?

You tell me! I needed this project because my potential buyers wanted to evaluate Telebugs. So, I’ve been using these generated names as subdomains. Clients visit addresses like adoring-beaver.telebugs.com to test our services. This setup provides each client with a unique, memorable URL for their evaluation environment. It simplifies the process of setting up and sharing access while adding a professional yet playful touch to the experience.

P.S. Tell me how you use it, and I’ll feature your idea here!

How are Docker names generated?

The process is simple yet clever: an adjective (e.g., admiring) is paired with a surname (e.g., agnesi) using a separator like _ or -. The lists come straight from Docker’s official implementation, featuring adjectives like awesome and zen, and surnames of people like curie and turing.

Here’s a simplified example in JavaScript:

const a = ["admiring", "bold", "jolly"];
const s = ["curie", "turing", "hopper"];
const adj = `${a[Math.floor(Math.random() * a.length)]}`;
const sur = `${s[Math.floor(Math.random() * s.length)]}`;
const name = `${adj}_${sur}`;
console.log(name);
// Output: "jolly_curie" or "bold_hopper"

P.S. A special rule skips boring_wozniak — because Steve Wozniak is anything but boring!

Other use cases for Docker container names

These names aren’t just for client evaluations — they can add value anywhere unique identifiers are needed. Here are some practical applications:

• Development and testing environments: Developers can label testing environments with names like focused_turing for a stable branch or adorable_einstein for experimental features, making it easier to manage multiple setups.
• Educational purposes: In coding bootcamps or online courses, instructors can assign personalized environments to students, such as brave_hopper.studentcourse.com, simplifying assignment tracking and adding a fun element.
• Demo environments: Companies showcasing products can create temporary demo sites at subdomains like dazzling_fermat.productdemo.com, making presentations stand out and stick in clients’ minds.
• Hackathons and coding competitions: Organizers can assign team projects unique, memorable subdomains like epic_newton.hackathon.com — making it easy for judges and participants to access them.
• Personal projects: Hobbyists juggling multiple projects can organize them with names like serene_hopper.myprojects.com and vibrant_tesla.myprojects.com, keeping their work distinct and engaging.

Examples of generated Docker names

Here are some examples:

• vibrant_tesla
• serene_hopper
• jolly_black
• focused_turing
• quirky_einstein
• dazzling_fermat

Try it yourself above!

Frequently asked questions

How many names can I generate?

Up to 10 unique names at once — perfect for batch container creation.

Are these names truly unique?

Yes, the generator avoids duplicates within a single run.

Can I use these names globally?

While Docker-style names are unique within a single generation, they are not guaranteed to be globally unique due to the limited vocabulary of 25,488 possible combinations. This means that two different users or systems could independently generate the same name.

To ensure global uniqueness, consider appending a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) or a timestamp to the generated name. For example:

• Original name: happy-visvesvaraya
• With UUID: happy-visvesvaraya-550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000
• With timestamp: happy-visvesvaraya-20231025T123456Z

This additional identifier makes the name unique across different users, systems, and time periods.

What separators can I use?

Choose between a dash (-) or an underscore (_) to suit your style.

Can I customize the lists?

Not yet, but the current lists are packed with great options from Docker’s official set!

Why use these over random IDs?

Docker-style names are memorable and fun, making it easier to identify things. They’re easier to remember and add a playful twist to your projects.

Did you know?

• Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
• Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple Inc. with Steve Jobs.
• Alan Turing is considered the father of modern computer science.
• Grace Hopper invented the first compiler for a computer programming language.

Tech behind the tool

Built with plain JavaScript, HTML, CSS and a sprinkle of creativity, this generator lets you have fun with Docker-style names.