Extension:Realnames

This mediawiki extension attempts to add realname to all username links.

Modifies a page's html content right before display to keep the approach generic and simple. This means it works for most links and does not need special consideration with new hooks. Compatibility with other extensions should be very strong.

This means it works on:
 * Special:ListUsers
 * old and new Special:RecentChanges
 * Special:Search of the User: space
 * History of page
 * Revisions list of page
 * Revision view of page
 * Revision Compare
 * Page header + html title (limited)
 * and any page where user links are found

While the focus is on realname display, it can customized to change the display of username links to anything desired (add an image? another class?). This can be incredibly powerful.

It was developed mainly for Enterprise/Corporate users of MediaWiki where realnames are much more important, and often make much more sense than the usual algorithmically chosen usernames.

The default configuration prioritises realnames first with the username in parenthesis. Since usernames are still needed for wiki links, wiki actions,  and realnames can sometimes collide; displaying both is recommended. This is optional, see the configuration options bellow.

There is currently no way to preserve User: prefixes on links or text.

Updates
The extension is considered in a usable state and feature complete.

This extension is used in corporate applications. As such, the authors are unlikely to update it on a regular basis, but instead when the corporate applications that use it run into problems. You should expect updates in the 5-10yr range.

Issues and PRs on github will be monitored, and we will continue to work with the community to provide updates as they are contributed.

Download instructions
You can download the extension directly from github:

You can consult the CHANGELOG for version history.

Installation
To install this extension, add the following to :

or before mediawiki 1.25 instead do:

Configuration parameters
See AdvancedConfiguration for finer control, including custom styles.

Testing

 * MediaWiki 1.32.0, 1.31.1 (LTS), 1.18.0, 1.17.1, 1.16.5, 1.15.5,

Alternative extensions

 * Extension:ShowRealUsernames