The best replacement for rename is mv.

The best alternatives to rename are rated as following:
★★★★★  mv
★★★★  re-name
★  move_uploaded_file
★  mv linux
★  shutil.move
  ren
  move
  alter table

Your alternative for rename is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about rename, one probably shouldn't forget about wildcards.

Other search terms related to rename and their ratings are:
★★★★★ wildcards
You have in mind a companion for rename and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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rename
mv
re-name