In this article, you will learn how to rename a single column in pandas DataFrame.
Also read: Working with DataFrame Rows and Columns in Python
Using the rename() function
To rename a column we use rename() method of pandas DataFrame:
Parameters of the rename() function
The rename() function supports the following parameters:
- Mapper: Function dictionary to change the column names.
- Index: Either a dictionary or a function to change the index names.
- Columns: A dictionary or a function to rename columns.
- Axis: Defines the target axis and is used with mapper.
- Inplace: Changes the source DataFrame.
- Errors: Raises KeyError if any wrong parameter is found.
Important points about rename() function:
- Can even rename multiple columns, along with single column.
- Used to clearly specify the intent.
How to Rename a Single Column?
Let’s quickly create a simple dataframe that has a few names in it and two columns. You can copy this demo code snippet or use the dataframe that you’re working on to rename the single column.
Import pandas as pd
d = {‘Name’ : [‘Raj’, ‘Neha’, ‘Virat’, ‘Deepika’], ‘Profession’ : [‘Artist’, ‘Singer’, ‘Cricketer’, ‘Actress’]}
df = pd.DataFrame(d)
print(df)
#Output:
Name Profession
0 Raj Artist
1 Neha Singer
2 Virat Cricketer
3 Deepika Actress
Now, let’s use our rename() function to change the name of a single column without editing the data within it.
# rename single columns
df1 = df.rename(columns={‘Name’ : ‘PersonName’})
print(df1)
#output:
PersonName Profession
0 Raj Artist
1 Neha Singer
2 Virat Cricketer
3 Deepika Actress
Similarly, we can change the name of the other remaining column:
df2 = df1.rename(columns={‘Profession’ : ‘Prof’})
print(df2)
#output:
PersonName Prof
0 Raj Artist
1 Neha Singer
2 Virat Cricketer
3 Deepika Actress
Conclusion
We hope that you found the explanation and example helpful and that you can use them in your own projects easily.