What do you call a spy's code name? [closed]

Solution 1:

The official word for a clandestine name appears to be cryptonym.

CIA cryptonyms are code names or code words used by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to refer to projects, operations, persons, agencies, etc.

Each CIA cryptonym contains a two character prefix called a digraph, which designates a geographical or functional area.[2] Certain digraphs were changed over time; for example, the digraph for the Soviet Union changed at least twice

Examples from publications by former CIA personnel show that the terms "code name" and "cryptonym" can refer to the names of operations as well as to individual persons

Wikipedia

Solution 2:

alias

noun

a false name used to conceal one's identity; an assumed name:

from dictionary.com

Solution 3:

pseudonym could be used since a spy's code name is a fictitious name

Solution 4:

If you're in London, you can use 'monikker' (or monicker, moniker) - it means slang name, or 'name you go by' 'name you are known by' (but not your real name). Apparently that's from an old Irish word for 'name'.

https://www.thefreedictionary.com/monicker

Example: 'Usually Demery's monikker was agent 091, when he was working.'

If in America, how about 'handle' - the word for a trucker's slang name. (And apparently much earlier, according to this link).

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/handle

'Demery's handle was agent 091.'

Here are some rather posh ones 'sobriquet' 'epithet'

But for spies how about 'nom de guerre' (lit . war name in french).

http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/nickname

I'd use 'code word' 'spy code' 'agent code' 'agent key'.

Example: 'Demery - agent code 091 - left the building, concealing his weapon under his heavy coat.'

Solution 5:

The definition of code name is a word used for secrecy or convenience instead of the usual name. e.g “‘using the code name ‘Charlie’, Dick was on the phone with the President more and more’”

Alternatively,

undercover name

Examples of usage

“It's me,” she responded. “My room in thirty minutes.” Jake's undercover name was Antonio Bonelli, and if he were in trouble, he would've answered as Tony.
In the British spy drama MI-5 (known as Spooks in the U.K.), what is Tom Quinn's undercover name at the beginning of the series? .
Virgilio worked in tandem with another spy who was situated in Paris, Enrico Insabato, whose undercover name was 'Dante'.1

Via Google Books