How to fix npm ERR! code E403 npm ERR! 403 Forbidden - PUT - Package name too similar to existing packages in npm

Compare your package name against existing packages:

npm search <your-package-name>
npm search <similar-existing-package>

Use the npm registry website (npmjs.com) to see top packages that might conflict with your name.

If your package name differs from an existing one only in punctuation, npm will reject it:

- ❌ reactnative if react-native exists
- ❌ react_native if react-native exists
- ❌ react.native if react-native exists

This is by design to prevent confusion.

The most reliable solution is to publish under your npm username or organization scope:

{
  "name": "@yourusername/package-name"
}

Then publish with:

npm publish --access=public

Scoped packages are namespaced by user/organization, so naming conflicts don't apply.

Choose a distinctly different name that doesn't share similar keywords:

// Bad (too similar to 'lodash')
"name": "loadash"

// Better - More unique
"name": "my-utility-helpers"
"name": "advanced-transformers"

Use a name that clearly describes your package's unique purpose.

Before publishing, confirm your new name is available:

npm view @yourusername/newname
npm search newname

If you get a 404 error or no results, the name is available.