Best Usernames for Dating Sites: Stand Out and Get Noticed

If we look back at 10-15 years ago, online dating was already on the rise, but it was still sort of niche. You wouldn’t necessarily tell everyone that you’ve registered on an online dating platform because not everyone would understand back then.  

Fast-forward to today and things are completely different. Practically every Gen Z and Millennial registered and used an online dating app at least once. We also have many couples who met online and are happy together now. Society sees it as a completely normal way of looking for love (which it is). 

However, as this whole internet dating thing is still relevantly new, the nuances and intricacies of online dating are not clear sometimes. One of such nuances is your username.  

Male and female usernames for online dating play a big role, far bigger than we care to realize. Today we’re going to share the tips, tricks, and examples of great usernames for dating online that will help you find the right partner for your romantic needs. 

Why Your Username Matters on Dating Sites

If you don’t think usernames are important, we’re here to say they are. They carry a certain meaning behind them, and they’re one of the first things the person sees and learns about you. 

There are a number of reasons why you should pay attention to it:

• It’s the first impression of you 
• It reflects your personality 
• That’s how people remember you 
• The type of users you attract depends on the username 

If you send a first text to the user, that’s what they'll see on the screen of their smartphone before they get to study your profile pics or bio closely. Name yourself something silly, weird, or offensive, and it will scare off a good portion of those you reach out to. 

Some people don’t overthink little details, such as usernames, but for others, it’s a cue of what dating you will look like. Also, if your name is creative (whether in a good or bad way), that’s how you stand out and will be remembered. Imagine your crush’s friend groups slammering and making fun of your username and referring to you only by username, should their friend start dating you.

If your name is too negative or suggestive, it will also send the wrong message and deprive you of matching with cool people. 

A thoughtful, positive username will do the opposite. It will put a smile on people’s faces and it will attract like-minded people who you’re more compatible with. 

Key Elements of a Great Dating Site Username with Examples

Now that we understand why usernames are important, let’s look at the key elements of the best username for a dating site.

1. Unique and memorable. Your username can also be neutral and simply a shortened version of your full name. However, you can also add a creative touch that will stick in people’s minds and help them remember you. The dating market is very competitive these days, especially in the world of dating online. You don’t have to advertise yourself like a product, but adding a few nice touches here and there will definitely help. If you’re a book lover, for example, your nickname can be just that – BookLover, BookWorm, or IntoBooks. 
2. Insights into your personality. Another important characteristic of great internet dating names is that they’re somehow tied to your personality and give users a glimpse into what you’re like. For instance, you can call yourself HikerAndy if you really enjoy hiking in the wilderness, or CoffeeAnna if you are, you guessed it, a coffee enthusiast. 
3. Positive. Negativity in the username is just weird. We’re not on Tumblr back in 2013, dramatic and negativity-focused nicknames are out of place on a dating app or website. People want to find a casual relationship, fall in love, have great sex, and have other great goals when they sign up for dating sites. Don’t spoil their mood and make yourself look like a party killer. If you’re not happy with a neutral username and want it to spark some emotions, let them be positive. For example, SmileyAshley, YourNextCrush, or JustVibes.
4. Simplicity. Ideally, your name should be easy to remember and type in. Something like RumpilstiltskinTexasXCOB may be unique and cool to someone, but there’s no way people will learn how to spell that or remember it correctly. 

Optional elements of awesome dating website usernames

In addition to the core four factors, you can include the following to your online dating names on different dating platforms:

• What you’re looking for in dating (SeriousLove or SexyFunGirl)
• Hobbies and interests (BoardGamesKing or CookingRookie)
• Family status (HotSingleDad or MomOf2)

In terms of things you want to avoid, stay clear of overly sexy usernames that are almost vulgar. Avoid profanity in usernames too. Not just because people will think you’re weird, but also because the dating platform might block you for it. Also, it’s recommended to stay clear of cliches that don’t look good on anyone. 

Best Usernames for Dating Sites: Examples and Categories 

We’ve already given you a few examples of clever usernames for dating sites, but why stop now? Let’s go over more examples across different categories. 

Timeless usernames for dating sites

You can’t go wrong with a classic, so here are examples of good usernames for dating sites that scream timeless and classy.  

• JonDoe (but your name)
• AlexisRendolf1991
• HonestBob 
• SmileWithKatie 
• SarahInTheCity

Sexy usernames to attract attention

PSA: using sexy usernames for your dating account will attract all sorts of creeps and weirdos. Among them, for sure, will be cool guys and girls who get what you mean and want to hook up with you and possibly build a long-term relationship. 

• YourHotCrush
• BrainsAndTits 
• GoodTimeAddict 
• HereToRockYourWorld 
• CatchMeIfYouCan
• CharmingAngle
• PrettyWoman 
• SuchAFlirt 
• KissAndTell
• HereToTemp
• SpicyAlex

Intriguing usernames

If you want to appear mysterious, usernames are great at helping achieve that. 

• VelvetDesire
• EnigmaInMe
• MorningCrescent 
• HiddenGem
• SparkInTheSky

Adventurous usernames for dating sites

If you’re up for a little tease but not a sexualized one, you can choose a more innocent but still adventurous nickname. 

• UntamedBoy
• WildernessCalling
• WildHeart
• FireAndSpice
• RomanticDanger
• RiskyRomance
• MyWildSoul

Tips for Creating the Perfect Username 

How do you create a perfect username that will blow everyone’s minds on the dating app? 

Here are the best tips to make it happen. Don’t feel pressured to use them all at once, but mix and match depending on your preferences.

• Use your personality or hobbies for inspiration. You want your username to send a message, and what better message than signaling what it is that you like to do or are passionate about.
• Add your career to the mix. We are so much more than our jobs, but nonetheless, the work and career paths that we choose often define our lifestyles, character traits we develop, and aspirations for the future. TomTheLawyer, for example, will make it instantly clear for everyone you attempt to chat with what your life is about and partially the type of person you are (smart, focused, and diligent, as all lawyers are). 
• Avoid cringe at all times. If you make your username cringe, make sure it’s brought up to an absurd level that it’s pretty much camp at this point. In that case, people will realize that you’re being cringe on purpose. If your cringy username is more subtle and nuanced, people will just think you’re weird and boring. 
• Make your username inviting and approachable. You can still be mysterious and cool without putting people off. 
• Don’t overcomplicate the nickname. Remember that people need to be able to read your nicknames and, ideally, remember them too. Avoid anything that’s too lengthy, and complex, and remind of an advanced password for an IT corporation employee's WiFi. Less is more.
• Add puns and wordplay. If you have a creative bone in you, come up with usernames that include puns or wordplay. It can be a little “test” for other users where you see who spots and understands the little secret hidden in your username. This can become a great conversation starter too and boost your chances of matching with more people and finding love. 
• Profanities and inappropriate nicknames should be locked away. Good enough for your inner circle and friend chats, but hardly a good choice for a dating site. Refrain from curse words, explicit genital descriptions, and other similar wording in your usernames. Not only can it be against the dating app’s policy, but it’s also just bad taste. 

Online Dating Username Mistakes to Avoid 

We’ve talked a lot about must-haves and tips for good online dating usernames, but let’s not forget about the deadly sins and other mistakes that you can make. 

Controversial take: Super basic things and generic names are not good too. They can work for some, sure, but overall they lack any personality whatsoever and don’t help anyone understand who you are. Use your name, such as DerekSmith if you must, but it’s not fun, not creative, and not telling a story. 

Among the less divisive takes, here are the things you should avoid in your quest to find a perfect dating username:

1. Anything that gives off negative vibes, such as BoredToDeath.
2. Nicknames that sound desperate, like SadAndLonely, WantSomebody, or LonelySoul.
3. An abundance of numbers and symbols. Usernames like Alec#$@289!? Look like the names of Elon Musk’s kids. It’s best to avoid putting too many symbols and numbers in the name to keep it clean and simple. 
4. Self-deprecating usernames, such as NotGreatJoe. Those scream unresolved emotional trauma and attention seeking. Not only is lack of confidence kind of off-putting, but it also puts a lot of pressure on the partner that you match with to constantly assure you of your worth and it’s just tiring. 

Thoughts on using your full name 

There are many reasons why you shouldn’t use your full government name on dating apps. Safety and privacy should be everyone’s concern, even if you don’t think you have something to hide or steal. Con artists and stalkers will have a field trip with your full name, so better not use them at all or use your first name only. 

If you make your username out of shortened versions of your first and last names, make them hard to decipher. For example, don’t do anngrn, as it will be easy to guess that the full name is Ann(a) Green. 

Best Usernames for Dating FAQ

What is a good dating profile name?

Good dating profile names are the ones that tell other users a story. It’s something that helps understand your personality, what you like, what kind of values you have, or what you’re looking for in dating. Good dating profile names attract attention but of the right kind, meaning attracting people who share the same dating goals and plans as you. Lastly, a good dating site username is not offensive or threatening, but rather positive and smile-inducing.

What should my dating username be?

Despite all the recommendations that you can find online or have people share with you in real life, your dating username should be just what you want it to be. If you’d like to come up with something silly or goofy – do it. Want a sexy and promiscuous user name? Why not! 

You are the one who makes the call on that matter, as you’re the one who will be meeting people, texting with them, and building relationships. Your username needs to reflect you as a person, and if the way you want to be perceived goes against the general guidelines, so be it. As long as you’re not hurting or endangering anyone, there’s no harm in making a username that’s somewhat controversial but ultimately yours.