The repository [<username>/<username>] has been retired and cannot be reused.

[feniltejani]

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Question

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Hello GitHub Community,

I have a problem regarding a namespace on a retired repository and would require some guidance from GitHub employees.

Previously, I had owned and deleted the feniltejani/feniltejani repository through my GitHub account @feniltejani. However, now, when I create it, the following error message pops up:

“The repository feniltejani has been retired and cannot be reused.”

I have already checked Settings → Repositories → Deleted repositories and confirmed the repo is not restorable from there.

I am requesting release of a retired repository namespace (feniltejani/feniltejani) that I previously owned and deleted myself. This is not a username release request. I am the original owner using the same email address. I need this exact repository name for my GitHub Profile README feature. Please manually release this retired namespace.

Please note: this is not a dormant or inactive username request, so the username policy does not apply here. I am requesting release of a retired repository namespace (feniltejani/feniltejani). I am also unable to restore the deleted repository, so I currently have no way to recover or recreate it. I need this exact repository name for my GitHub Profile README, since that feature only works with a repository named exactly the same as my username [/] . Please review this as a retired repository namespace issue, not a username release request.

If a GitHub staff member can review this retired namespace issue, I would appreciate it.

Thank you.
@feniltejani

Attachments:

[asaddevx]

Hey feniltejani,

Once a repository name is retired by GitHub, it is permanently locked. Even you, the original owner, cannot reuse it. This is not a bug—it is a security feature to prevent impersonation and abuse after deletions .

The special profile README repository (username/username) is especially strict. GitHub almost never releases these names once retired .

What you can do

Option 1 – Contact GitHub Support (your only real chance)

Open a ticket here: https://support.github.com/contact

Select "Account and profile". Use this message:

"I need to release the retired repository namespace feniltejani/feniltejani. I previously owned and deleted it myself. I need this exact name for my profile README feature. Please manually release this retired namespace."

Be prepared for a low chance of success. Support rarely grants these requests for profile repos .

Option 2 – Use a workaround (practical solution)

Since the exact name is locked forever, create a repository like:

• feniltejani-profile
• feniltejani-readme
• feniltejani-main

Add your README content there and pin it to your profile. Visitors will see it right at the top—not automatic like the special repo, but close enough.

Bottom line

Support is your only hope for the exact name. If they cannot help, use a pinned repo. Many users face this issue, and the pinned workaround is what most end up using .