diff --git a/default-plugins/status-bar/src/first_line.rs b/default-plugins/status-bar/src/first_line.rs
index 5bc5108686..cdb1deceee 100644
--- a/default-plugins/status-bar/src/first_line.rs
+++ b/default-plugins/status-bar/src/first_line.rs
@@ -279,7 +279,7 @@ pub fn ctrl_keys(help: &ModeInfo, max_len: usize, separator: &str) -> LinePart {
             colored_elements,
             separator,
         ),
-        InputMode::Pane => key_indicators(
+        InputMode::Pane | InputMode::RenamePane => key_indicators(
             max_len,
             &[
                 CtrlKeyShortcut::new(CtrlKeyMode::Unselected, CtrlKeyAction::Lock),
diff --git a/src/tests/e2e/remote_runner.rs b/src/tests/e2e/remote_runner.rs
index e27e9fc21e..205710f1dd 100644
--- a/src/tests/e2e/remote_runner.rs
+++ b/src/tests/e2e/remote_runner.rs
@@ -131,7 +131,8 @@ fn read_from_channel(
             let last_snapshot = last_snapshot.clone();
             let cursor_coordinates = cursor_coordinates.clone();
             let mut vte_parser = vte::Parser::new();
-            let mut terminal_output = TerminalPane::new(0, *pane_geom, Palette::default(), 0); // 0 is the pane index
+            let mut terminal_output =
+                TerminalPane::new(0, *pane_geom, Palette::default(), 0, String::new()); // 0 is the pane index
             let mut retries_left = 3;
             move || {
                 let mut should_sleep = false;
diff --git a/zellij-client/src/lib.rs b/zellij-client/src/lib.rs
index 38ab302103..9bc8828aab 100644
--- a/zellij-client/src/lib.rs
+++ b/zellij-client/src/lib.rs
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ pub fn start_client(
                 client_attributes,
                 Box::new(opts),
                 Box::new(config_options.clone()),
-                layout.unwrap(),
+                Box::new(layout.unwrap()),
                 Some(config.plugins.clone()),
             )
         }
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/lib.rs b/zellij-server/src/lib.rs
index 6a94742ca3..c1f238edcc 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/lib.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/lib.rs
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ pub enum ServerInstruction {
         ClientAttributes,
         Box<CliArgs>,
         Box<Options>,
-        LayoutFromYaml,
+        Box<LayoutFromYaml>,
         ClientId,
         Option<PluginsConfig>,
     ),
@@ -531,7 +531,7 @@ pub fn start_server(mut os_input: Box<dyn ServerOsApi>, socket_path: PathBuf) {
 pub struct SessionOptions {
     pub opts: Box<CliArgs>,
     pub config_options: Box<Options>,
-    pub layout: LayoutFromYaml,
+    pub layout: Box<LayoutFromYaml>,
     pub plugins: Option<PluginsConfig>,
 }
 
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/panes/plugin_pane.rs b/zellij-server/src/panes/plugin_pane.rs
index a9d5d3e5cc..46c5ed7a2a 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/panes/plugin_pane.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/panes/plugin_pane.rs
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ use crate::ClientId;
 use zellij_utils::pane_size::Offset;
 use zellij_utils::position::Position;
 use zellij_utils::shared::ansi_len;
-use zellij_utils::zellij_tile::prelude::{Event, Mouse, PaletteColor};
+use zellij_utils::zellij_tile::prelude::{Event, InputMode, Mouse, PaletteColor};
 use zellij_utils::{
     channels::SenderWithContext,
     pane_size::{Dimension, PaneGeom},
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ pub(crate) struct PluginPane {
     pub send_plugin_instructions: SenderWithContext<PluginInstruction>,
     pub active_at: Instant,
     pub pane_title: String,
+    pub pane_name: String,
     frame: bool,
     borderless: bool,
 }
@@ -38,6 +39,7 @@ impl PluginPane {
         position_and_size: PaneGeom,
         send_plugin_instructions: SenderWithContext<PluginInstruction>,
         title: String,
+        pane_name: String,
     ) -> Self {
         Self {
             pid,
@@ -51,6 +53,7 @@ impl PluginPane {
             content_offset: Offset::default(),
             pane_title: title,
             borderless: false,
+            pane_name,
         }
     }
 }
@@ -209,14 +212,29 @@ impl Pane for PluginPane {
             None
         }
     }
-    fn render_frame(&mut self, _client_id: ClientId, frame_params: FrameParams) -> Option<String> {
+    fn render_frame(
+        &mut self,
+        _client_id: ClientId,
+        frame_params: FrameParams,
+        input_mode: InputMode,
+    ) -> Option<String> {
         // FIXME: This is a hack that assumes all fixed-size panes are borderless. This
         // will eventually need fixing!
         if self.frame && !(self.geom.rows.is_fixed() || self.geom.cols.is_fixed()) {
+            let pane_title = if self.pane_name.is_empty()
+                && input_mode == InputMode::RenamePane
+                && frame_params.is_main_client
+            {
+                String::from("Enter name...")
+            } else if self.pane_name.is_empty() {
+                self.pane_title.clone()
+            } else {
+                self.pane_name.clone()
+            };
             let frame = PaneFrame::new(
                 self.current_geom().into(),
                 (0, 0), // scroll position
-                self.pane_title.clone(),
+                pane_title,
                 frame_params,
             );
             Some(frame.render())
@@ -231,6 +249,20 @@ impl Pane for PluginPane {
     ) -> Option<String> {
         None
     }
+    fn update_name(&mut self, name: &str) {
+        match name {
+            "\0" => {
+                self.pane_name = String::new();
+            }
+            "\u{007F}" | "\u{0008}" => {
+                //delete and backspace keys
+                self.pane_name.pop();
+            }
+            c => {
+                self.pane_name.push_str(c);
+            }
+        }
+    }
     fn pid(&self) -> PaneId {
         PaneId::Plugin(self.pid)
     }
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/panes/terminal_pane.rs b/zellij-server/src/panes/terminal_pane.rs
index a6da76709b..284d6fe9b4 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/panes/terminal_pane.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/panes/terminal_pane.rs
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ use zellij_utils::{
     pane_size::{Dimension, PaneGeom},
     position::Position,
     vte,
-    zellij_tile::data::{Palette, PaletteColor},
+    zellij_tile::data::{InputMode, Palette, PaletteColor},
 };
 
 pub const SELECTION_SCROLL_INTERVAL_MS: u64 = 10;
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ pub struct TerminalPane {
     selection_scrolled_at: time::Instant,
     content_offset: Offset,
     pane_title: String,
+    pane_name: String,
     frame: HashMap<ClientId, PaneFrame>,
     borderless: bool,
     fake_cursor_locations: HashSet<(usize, usize)>, // (x, y) - these hold a record of previous fake cursors which we need to clear on render
@@ -278,16 +279,31 @@ impl Pane for TerminalPane {
             None
         }
     }
-    fn render_frame(&mut self, client_id: ClientId, frame_params: FrameParams) -> Option<String> {
+    fn render_frame(
+        &mut self,
+        client_id: ClientId,
+        frame_params: FrameParams,
+        input_mode: InputMode,
+    ) -> Option<String> {
         // TODO: remove the cursor stuff from here
         let mut vte_output = None;
-        let frame = PaneFrame::new(
-            self.current_geom().into(),
-            self.grid.scrollback_position_and_length(),
+        let pane_title = if self.pane_name.is_empty()
+            && input_mode == InputMode::RenamePane
+            && frame_params.is_main_client
+        {
+            String::from("Enter name...")
+        } else if self.pane_name.is_empty() {
             self.grid
                 .title
                 .clone()
-                .unwrap_or_else(|| self.pane_title.clone()),
+                .unwrap_or_else(|| self.pane_title.clone())
+        } else {
+            self.pane_name.clone()
+        };
+        let frame = PaneFrame::new(
+            self.current_geom().into(),
+            self.grid.scrollback_position_and_length(),
+            pane_title,
             frame_params,
         );
         match self.frame.get(&client_id) {
@@ -336,6 +352,20 @@ impl Pane for TerminalPane {
         }
         vte_output
     }
+    fn update_name(&mut self, name: &str) {
+        match name {
+            "\0" => {
+                self.pane_name = String::new();
+            }
+            "\u{007F}" | "\u{0008}" => {
+                //delete and backspace keys
+                self.pane_name.pop();
+            }
+            c => {
+                self.pane_name.push_str(c);
+            }
+        }
+    }
     fn pid(&self) -> PaneId {
         PaneId::Terminal(self.pid)
     }
@@ -475,6 +505,7 @@ impl TerminalPane {
         position_and_size: PaneGeom,
         palette: Palette,
         pane_index: usize,
+        pane_name: String,
     ) -> TerminalPane {
         let initial_pane_title = format!("Pane #{}", pane_index);
         let grid = Grid::new(
@@ -495,6 +526,7 @@ impl TerminalPane {
             colors: palette,
             selection_scrolled_at: time::Instant::now(),
             pane_title: initial_pane_title,
+            pane_name,
             borderless: false,
             fake_cursor_locations: HashSet::new(),
         }
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/panes/unit/terminal_pane_tests.rs b/zellij-server/src/panes/unit/terminal_pane_tests.rs
index ef24a77f25..56ec2cf96d 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/panes/unit/terminal_pane_tests.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/panes/unit/terminal_pane_tests.rs
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ pub fn scrolling_inside_a_pane() {
 
     let pid = 1;
     let palette = Palette::default();
-    let mut terminal_pane = TerminalPane::new(pid, fake_win_size, palette, 0); // 0 is the pane index
+    let mut terminal_pane = TerminalPane::new(pid, fake_win_size, palette, 0, String::new()); // 0 is the pane index
     let mut text_to_fill_pane = String::new();
     for i in 0..30 {
         writeln!(&mut text_to_fill_pane, "\rline {}", i + 1).unwrap();
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/pty.rs b/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
index d7e2ad47b1..99f7e37568 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/pty.rs
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ pub(crate) struct Pty {
 
 use std::convert::TryFrom;
 
-pub(crate) fn pty_thread_main(mut pty: Pty, layout: LayoutFromYaml) {
+pub(crate) fn pty_thread_main(mut pty: Pty, layout: Box<LayoutFromYaml>) {
     loop {
         let (event, mut err_ctx) = pty.bus.recv().expect("failed to receive event on channel");
         err_ctx.add_call(ContextType::Pty((&event).into()));
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/route.rs b/zellij-server/src/route.rs
index e24d2d4f1e..4626bc5f10 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/route.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/route.rs
@@ -226,6 +226,12 @@ fn route_action(
             };
             session.senders.send_to_pty(pty_instr).unwrap();
         }
+        Action::PaneNameInput(c) => {
+            session
+                .senders
+                .send_to_screen(ScreenInstruction::UpdatePaneName(c, client_id))
+                .unwrap();
+        }
         Action::Run(command) => {
             let run_cmd = Some(TerminalAction::RunCommand(command.clone().into()));
             let pty_instr = match command.direction {
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/screen.rs b/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
index 1400235ea0..f5beade595 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/screen.rs
@@ -68,6 +68,7 @@ pub enum ScreenInstruction {
     TogglePaneFrames,
     SetSelectable(PaneId, bool, usize),
     ClosePane(PaneId, Option<ClientId>),
+    UpdatePaneName(Vec<u8>, ClientId),
     NewTab(Layout, Vec<RawFd>, ClientId),
     SwitchTabNext(ClientId),
     SwitchTabPrev(ClientId),
@@ -140,6 +141,7 @@ impl From<&ScreenInstruction> for ScreenContext {
             ScreenInstruction::TogglePaneFrames => ScreenContext::TogglePaneFrames,
             ScreenInstruction::SetSelectable(..) => ScreenContext::SetSelectable,
             ScreenInstruction::ClosePane(..) => ScreenContext::ClosePane,
+            ScreenInstruction::UpdatePaneName(..) => ScreenContext::UpdatePaneName,
             ScreenInstruction::NewTab(..) => ScreenContext::NewTab,
             ScreenInstruction::SwitchTabNext(..) => ScreenContext::SwitchTabNext,
             ScreenInstruction::SwitchTabPrev(..) => ScreenContext::SwitchTabPrev,
@@ -975,6 +977,14 @@ pub(crate) fn screen_thread_main(
                 }
                 screen.update_tabs();
             }
+            ScreenInstruction::UpdatePaneName(c, client_id) => {
+                screen
+                    .get_active_tab_mut(client_id)
+                    .unwrap()
+                    .update_active_pane_name(c, client_id);
+
+                screen.render();
+            }
             ScreenInstruction::ToggleActiveTerminalFullscreen(client_id) => {
                 screen
                     .get_active_tab_mut(client_id)
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/tab.rs b/zellij-server/src/tab.rs
index f684b99623..a0386a4564 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/tab.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/tab.rs
@@ -23,8 +23,9 @@ use std::time::Instant;
 use std::{
     cmp::Reverse,
     collections::{BTreeMap, HashMap, HashSet},
+    str,
 };
-use zellij_tile::data::{Event, ModeInfo, Palette, PaletteColor};
+use zellij_tile::data::{Event, InputMode, ModeInfo, Palette, PaletteColor};
 use zellij_utils::{
     input::{
         layout::{Direction, Layout, Run},
@@ -181,12 +182,18 @@ pub trait Pane {
     fn selectable(&self) -> bool;
     fn set_selectable(&mut self, selectable: bool);
     fn render(&mut self, client_id: Option<ClientId>) -> Option<String>;
-    fn render_frame(&mut self, client_id: ClientId, frame_params: FrameParams) -> Option<String>;
+    fn render_frame(
+        &mut self,
+        client_id: ClientId,
+        frame_params: FrameParams,
+        input_mode: InputMode,
+    ) -> Option<String>;
     fn render_fake_cursor(
         &mut self,
         cursor_color: PaletteColor,
         text_color: PaletteColor,
     ) -> Option<String>;
+    fn update_name(&mut self, name: &str);
     fn pid(&self) -> PaneId;
     fn reduce_height(&mut self, percent: f64);
     fn increase_height(&mut self, percent: f64);
@@ -400,6 +407,7 @@ impl Tab {
                     *position_and_size,
                     self.senders.to_plugin.as_ref().unwrap().clone(),
                     pane_title,
+                    layout.pane_name.clone().unwrap_or_default(),
                 );
                 new_plugin.set_borderless(layout.borderless);
                 self.panes.insert(PaneId::Plugin(pid), Box::new(new_plugin));
@@ -412,6 +420,7 @@ impl Tab {
                     *position_and_size,
                     self.colors,
                     next_terminal_position,
+                    layout.pane_name.clone().unwrap_or_default(),
                 );
                 new_pane.set_borderless(layout.borderless);
                 self.panes
@@ -588,6 +597,7 @@ impl Tab {
                         bottom_winsize,
                         self.colors,
                         next_terminal_position,
+                        String::new(),
                     );
                     terminal_to_split.set_geom(top_winsize);
                     self.panes.insert(pid, Box::new(new_terminal));
@@ -604,6 +614,7 @@ impl Tab {
                         right_winsize,
                         self.colors,
                         next_terminal_position,
+                        String::new(),
                     );
                     terminal_to_split.set_geom(left_winsize);
                     self.panes.insert(pid, Box::new(new_terminal));
@@ -647,6 +658,7 @@ impl Tab {
                     bottom_winsize,
                     self.colors,
                     next_terminal_position,
+                    String::new(),
                 );
                 active_pane.set_geom(top_winsize);
                 self.panes.insert(pid, Box::new(new_terminal));
@@ -684,8 +696,13 @@ impl Tab {
             }
             let terminal_ws = active_pane.position_and_size();
             if let Some((left_winsize, right_winsize)) = split(Direction::Vertical, &terminal_ws) {
-                let new_terminal =
-                    TerminalPane::new(term_pid, right_winsize, self.colors, next_terminal_position);
+                let new_terminal = TerminalPane::new(
+                    term_pid,
+                    right_winsize,
+                    self.colors,
+                    next_terminal_position,
+                    String::new(),
+                );
                 active_pane.set_geom(left_winsize);
                 self.panes.insert(pid, Box::new(new_terminal));
             }
@@ -3451,6 +3468,17 @@ impl Tab {
                 .unwrap();
         }
     }
+
+    pub fn update_active_pane_name(&mut self, buf: Vec<u8>, client_id: ClientId) {
+        if let Some(active_terminal_id) = self.get_active_terminal_id(client_id) {
+            let s = str::from_utf8(&buf).unwrap();
+            let active_terminal = self
+                .panes
+                .get_mut(&PaneId::Terminal(active_terminal_id))
+                .unwrap();
+            active_terminal.update_name(s);
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 #[allow(clippy::borrowed_box)]
diff --git a/zellij-server/src/ui/pane_contents_and_ui.rs b/zellij-server/src/ui/pane_contents_and_ui.rs
index f2742f17e8..25550fe9f9 100644
--- a/zellij-server/src/ui/pane_contents_and_ui.rs
+++ b/zellij-server/src/ui/pane_contents_and_ui.rs
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ impl<'a> PaneContentsAndUi<'a> {
                 other_cursors_exist_in_session: self.multiple_users_exist_in_session,
             }
         };
-        if let Some(vte_output) = self.pane.render_frame(client_id, frame_params) {
+        if let Some(vte_output) = self.pane.render_frame(client_id, frame_params, client_mode) {
             // FIXME: Use Termion for cursor and style clearing?
             self.output.push_to_client(
                 client_id,
diff --git a/zellij-tile/src/data.rs b/zellij-tile/src/data.rs
index e43049a540..3e269af3b6 100644
--- a/zellij-tile/src/data.rs
+++ b/zellij-tile/src/data.rs
@@ -77,8 +77,12 @@ pub enum InputMode {
     /// `Scroll` mode allows scrolling up and down within a pane.
     #[serde(alias = "scroll")]
     Scroll,
+    /// `RenameTab` mode allows assigning a new name to a tab.
     #[serde(alias = "renametab")]
     RenameTab,
+    /// `RenamePane` mode allows assigning a new name to a pane.
+    #[serde(alias = "renamepane")]
+    RenamePane,
     /// `Session` mode allows detaching sessions
     #[serde(alias = "session")]
     Session,
@@ -133,6 +137,7 @@ impl FromStr for InputMode {
             "session" => Ok(InputMode::Session),
             "move" => Ok(InputMode::Move),
             "prompt" => Ok(InputMode::Prompt),
+            "renamepane" => Ok(InputMode::RenamePane),
             e => Err(e.to_string().into()),
         }
     }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/assets/config/default.yaml b/zellij-utils/assets/config/default.yaml
index 0c06485a8e..4de2a92e49 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/assets/config/default.yaml
+++ b/zellij-utils/assets/config/default.yaml
@@ -135,6 +135,8 @@ keybinds:
           key: [ Alt: '[',]
         - action: [FocusNextPane,]
           key: [ Alt: ']',]
+        - action: [SwitchToMode: RenamePane, PaneNameInput: [0],]
+          key: [Char: 'c']
     move:
         - action: [SwitchToMode: Locked,]
           key: [Ctrl: 'g']
@@ -304,6 +306,27 @@ keybinds:
           key: [ Alt: '[',]
         - action: [FocusNextPane,]
           key: [ Alt: ']',]
+    renamepane:
+        - action: [SwitchToMode: Normal,]
+          key: [Ctrl: 'c', Ctrl: 's', Char: ' ',]
+        - action: [SwitchToMode: Pane,]
+          key: [Char: "\n",]
+        - action: [PaneNameInput: [27] , SwitchToMode: Pane,]
+          key: [Esc,]
+        - action: [NewPane: ,]
+          key: [ Alt: 'n',]
+        - action: [MoveFocus: Left,]
+          key: [ Alt: 'h',]
+        - action: [MoveFocus: Right,]
+          key: [ Alt: 'l',]
+        - action: [MoveFocus: Down,]
+          key: [ Alt: 'j',]
+        - action: [MoveFocus: Up,]
+          key: [ Alt: 'k',]
+        - action: [FocusPreviousPane,]
+          key: [ Alt: '[',]
+        - action: [FocusNextPane,]
+          key: [ Alt: ']',]
     session:
         - action: [SwitchToMode: Locked,]
           key: [Ctrl: 'g']
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/errors.rs b/zellij-utils/src/errors.rs
index f8b8def985..a546e6cc7f 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/errors.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/errors.rs
@@ -251,6 +251,7 @@ pub enum ScreenContext {
     SetFixedHeight,
     SetFixedWidth,
     ClosePane,
+    UpdatePaneName,
     NewTab,
     SwitchTabNext,
     SwitchTabPrev,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
index c84ad285e4..d29799fbb1 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/actions.rs
@@ -83,6 +83,7 @@ pub enum Action {
     NewPane(Option<Direction>),
     /// Close the focus pane.
     CloseFocus,
+    PaneNameInput(Vec<u8>),
     /// Create a new tab, optionally with a specified tab layout.
     NewTab(Option<TabLayout>),
     /// Do nothing.
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/keybinds.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/keybinds.rs
index fcc2e4a874..47b7fc3e01 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/keybinds.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/keybinds.rs
@@ -209,6 +209,7 @@ impl Keybinds {
                 mode_keybind_or_action(Action::Write(raw_bytes))
             }
             InputMode::RenameTab => mode_keybind_or_action(Action::TabNameInput(raw_bytes)),
+            InputMode::RenamePane => mode_keybind_or_action(Action::PaneNameInput(raw_bytes)),
             _ => mode_keybind_or_action(Action::NoOp),
         }
     }
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs
index 29b8de00fb..9fa6709c27 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/layout.rs
@@ -133,6 +133,8 @@ impl fmt::Display for RunPluginLocation {
 pub struct Layout {
     pub direction: Direction,
     #[serde(default)]
+    pub pane_name: Option<String>,
+    #[serde(default)]
     pub parts: Vec<Layout>,
     pub split_size: Option<SplitSize>,
     pub run: Option<Run>,
@@ -411,6 +413,8 @@ fn default_as_some_true() -> Option<bool> {
 pub struct LayoutTemplate {
     pub direction: Direction,
     #[serde(default)]
+    pub pane_name: Option<String>,
+    #[serde(default)]
     pub borderless: bool,
     #[serde(default)]
     pub parts: Vec<LayoutTemplate>,
@@ -454,6 +458,7 @@ impl LayoutTemplate {
 pub struct TabLayout {
     #[serde(default)]
     pub direction: Direction,
+    pub pane_name: Option<String>,
     #[serde(default)]
     pub borderless: bool,
     #[serde(default)]
@@ -703,6 +708,7 @@ impl TryFrom<TabLayout> for Layout {
     fn try_from(tab: TabLayout) -> Result<Self, Self::Error> {
         Ok(Layout {
             direction: tab.direction,
+            pane_name: tab.pane_name,
             borderless: tab.borderless,
             parts: Self::from_vec_tab_layout(tab.parts)?,
             split_size: tab.split_size,
@@ -715,6 +721,7 @@ impl From<TabLayout> for LayoutTemplate {
     fn from(tab: TabLayout) -> Self {
         Self {
             direction: tab.direction,
+            pane_name: tab.pane_name,
             borderless: tab.borderless,
             parts: Self::from_vec_tab_layout(tab.parts),
             body: false,
@@ -730,6 +737,7 @@ impl TryFrom<LayoutTemplate> for Layout {
     fn try_from(template: LayoutTemplate) -> Result<Self, Self::Error> {
         Ok(Layout {
             direction: template.direction,
+            pane_name: template.pane_name,
             borderless: template.borderless,
             parts: Self::from_vec_template_layout(template.parts)?,
             split_size: template.split_size,
@@ -752,6 +760,7 @@ impl Default for TabLayout {
             split_size: None,
             run: None,
             name: String::new(),
+            pane_name: None,
         }
     }
 }
@@ -760,10 +769,12 @@ impl Default for LayoutTemplate {
     fn default() -> Self {
         Self {
             direction: Direction::Horizontal,
+            pane_name: None,
             body: false,
             borderless: false,
             parts: vec![LayoutTemplate {
                 direction: Direction::Horizontal,
+                pane_name: None,
                 body: true,
                 borderless: false,
                 split_size: None,
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/mod.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/mod.rs
index a10ffa2cd7..34572ba794 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/mod.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/mod.rs
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ pub fn get_mode_info(
             ("x".to_string(), "Close".to_string()),
             ("f".to_string(), "Fullscreen".to_string()),
             ("z".to_string(), "Frames".to_string()),
+            ("c".to_string(), "Rename".to_string()),
         ],
         InputMode::Tab => vec![
             ("←↓↑→".to_string(), "Move focus".to_string()),
@@ -55,6 +56,7 @@ pub fn get_mode_info(
             ("u/d".to_string(), "Scroll Half Page".to_string()),
         ],
         InputMode::RenameTab => vec![("Enter".to_string(), "when done".to_string())],
+        InputMode::RenamePane => vec![("Enter".to_string(), "when done".to_string())],
         InputMode::Session => vec![("d".to_string(), "Detach".to_string())],
     };
 
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/layout_test.rs b/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/layout_test.rs
index 2ec66a2a00..aec34c458a 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/layout_test.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/input/unit/layout_test.rs
@@ -40,10 +40,12 @@ fn default_layout_merged_correctly() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: true,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Fixed(1)),
                 run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
@@ -54,6 +56,7 @@ fn default_layout_merged_correctly() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: None,
                 run: None,
@@ -61,6 +64,7 @@ fn default_layout_merged_correctly() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: true,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Fixed(2)),
                 run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
@@ -84,10 +88,12 @@ fn default_layout_new_tab_correct() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: true,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Fixed(1)),
                 run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
@@ -98,6 +104,7 @@ fn default_layout_new_tab_correct() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: None,
                 run: None,
@@ -105,6 +112,7 @@ fn default_layout_new_tab_correct() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: true,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Fixed(2)),
                 run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
@@ -168,13 +176,16 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_merged_correctly() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![Layout {
             direction: Direction::Vertical,
             borderless: false,
+            pane_name: None,
             parts: vec![
                 Layout {
                     direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                     borderless: false,
+                    pane_name: None,
                     parts: vec![],
                     split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(50.0)),
                     run: None,
@@ -182,10 +193,12 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_merged_correctly() {
                 Layout {
                     direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                     borderless: false,
+                    pane_name: None,
                     parts: vec![
                         Layout {
                             direction: Direction::Vertical,
                             borderless: false,
+                            pane_name: None,
                             parts: vec![],
                             split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(50.0)),
                             run: None,
@@ -193,6 +206,7 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_merged_correctly() {
                         Layout {
                             direction: Direction::Vertical,
                             borderless: false,
+                            pane_name: None,
                             parts: vec![],
                             split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(50.0)),
                             run: None,
@@ -220,9 +234,11 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_new_tab_is_correct() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![Layout {
             direction: Direction::Horizontal,
             borderless: false,
+            pane_name: None,
             parts: vec![],
             split_size: None,
             run: None,
@@ -260,10 +276,12 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_and_default_plugins_merged_correctly() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Fixed(1)),
                 run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
@@ -274,10 +292,12 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_and_default_plugins_merged_correctly() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![
                     Layout {
                         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                         borderless: false,
+                        pane_name: None,
                         parts: vec![],
                         split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(50.0)),
                         run: None,
@@ -285,10 +305,12 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_and_default_plugins_merged_correctly() {
                     Layout {
                         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                         borderless: false,
+                        pane_name: None,
                         parts: vec![
                             Layout {
                                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                                 borderless: false,
+                                pane_name: None,
                                 parts: vec![],
                                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(50.0)),
                                 run: None,
@@ -296,6 +318,7 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_and_default_plugins_merged_correctly() {
                             Layout {
                                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                                 borderless: false,
+                                pane_name: None,
                                 parts: vec![],
                                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(50.0)),
                                 run: None,
@@ -311,6 +334,7 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_and_default_plugins_merged_correctly() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Fixed(2)),
                 run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
@@ -334,10 +358,12 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_and_default_plugins_new_tab_is_correct() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Fixed(1)),
                 run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
@@ -348,6 +374,7 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_and_default_plugins_new_tab_is_correct() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: None,
                 run: None,
@@ -355,6 +382,7 @@ fn three_panes_with_tab_and_default_plugins_new_tab_is_correct() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Fixed(2)),
                 run: Some(Run::Plugin(RunPlugin {
@@ -396,14 +424,17 @@ fn deeply_nested_tab_merged_correctly() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![
                     Layout {
                         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                         borderless: false,
+                        pane_name: None,
                         parts: vec![],
                         split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(21.0)),
                         run: None,
@@ -411,10 +442,12 @@ fn deeply_nested_tab_merged_correctly() {
                     Layout {
                         direction: Direction::Vertical,
                         borderless: false,
+                        pane_name: None,
                         parts: vec![
                             Layout {
                                 direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                                 borderless: false,
+                                pane_name: None,
                                 parts: vec![],
                                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(22.0)),
                                 run: None,
@@ -422,10 +455,12 @@ fn deeply_nested_tab_merged_correctly() {
                             Layout {
                                 direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                                 borderless: false,
+                                pane_name: None,
                                 parts: vec![
                                     Layout {
                                         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                                         borderless: false,
+                                        pane_name: None,
                                         parts: vec![],
                                         split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(23.0)),
                                         run: None,
@@ -433,6 +468,7 @@ fn deeply_nested_tab_merged_correctly() {
                                     Layout {
                                         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                                         borderless: false,
+                                        pane_name: None,
                                         parts: vec![],
                                         split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(24.0)),
                                         run: None,
@@ -452,6 +488,7 @@ fn deeply_nested_tab_merged_correctly() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(15.0)),
                 run: None,
@@ -459,6 +496,7 @@ fn deeply_nested_tab_merged_correctly() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(15.0)),
                 run: None,
@@ -466,6 +504,7 @@ fn deeply_nested_tab_merged_correctly() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(15.0)),
                 run: None,
@@ -504,10 +543,12 @@ fn three_tabs_tab_one_merged_correctly() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Vertical,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(50.0)),
                 run: None,
@@ -515,6 +556,7 @@ fn three_tabs_tab_one_merged_correctly() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: None,
                 run: None,
@@ -539,14 +581,17 @@ fn three_tabs_tab_two_merged_correctly() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Vertical,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![
                     Layout {
                         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                         borderless: false,
+                        pane_name: None,
                         parts: vec![],
                         split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(50.0)),
                         run: None,
@@ -554,6 +599,7 @@ fn three_tabs_tab_two_merged_correctly() {
                     Layout {
                         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                         borderless: false,
+                        pane_name: None,
                         parts: vec![],
                         split_size: None,
                         run: None,
@@ -565,6 +611,7 @@ fn three_tabs_tab_two_merged_correctly() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: None,
                 run: None,
@@ -589,14 +636,17 @@ fn three_tabs_tab_three_merged_correctly() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Vertical,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Vertical,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![
                     Layout {
                         direction: Direction::Vertical,
                         borderless: false,
+                        pane_name: None,
                         parts: vec![],
                         split_size: Some(SplitSize::Percent(50.0)),
                         run: None,
@@ -604,6 +654,7 @@ fn three_tabs_tab_three_merged_correctly() {
                     Layout {
                         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                         borderless: false,
+                        pane_name: None,
                         parts: vec![],
                         split_size: None,
                         run: None,
@@ -615,6 +666,7 @@ fn three_tabs_tab_three_merged_correctly() {
             Layout {
                 direction: Direction::Horizontal,
                 borderless: false,
+                pane_name: None,
                 parts: vec![],
                 split_size: None,
                 run: None,
@@ -650,9 +702,11 @@ fn no_tabs_merged_correctly() {
     let merged_layout = Layout {
         direction: Direction::Horizontal,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
         parts: vec![Layout {
             direction: Direction::Horizontal,
             borderless: false,
+            pane_name: None,
             parts: vec![],
             split_size: None,
             run: None,
@@ -699,6 +753,7 @@ fn no_layout_template_merged_correctly() {
                     split_size: None,
                     run: None,
                     borderless: false,
+                    pane_name: None,
                 },
                 Layout {
                     direction: Direction::Horizontal,
@@ -706,15 +761,18 @@ fn no_layout_template_merged_correctly() {
                     split_size: None,
                     run: None,
                     borderless: false,
+                    pane_name: None,
                 },
             ],
             split_size: None,
             run: None,
             borderless: false,
+            pane_name: None,
         }],
         split_size: None,
         run: None,
         borderless: false,
+        pane_name: None,
     };
 
     assert_eq!(merged_layout, tab_layout.try_into().unwrap());
diff --git a/zellij-utils/src/ipc.rs b/zellij-utils/src/ipc.rs
index b27a097a14..2716dd3cc0 100644
--- a/zellij-utils/src/ipc.rs
+++ b/zellij-utils/src/ipc.rs
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ pub enum ClientToServerMsg {
         ClientAttributes,
         Box<CliArgs>,
         Box<Options>,
-        LayoutFromYaml,
+        Box<LayoutFromYaml>,
         Option<PluginsConfig>,
     ),
     AttachClient(ClientAttributes, Options),