diff --git a/admin/src/app/usernames/page.tsx b/admin/src/app/usernames/page.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0f51f30
--- /dev/null
+++ b/admin/src/app/usernames/page.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,458 @@
+'use client';
+
+import AdminShell from '@/components/AdminShell';
+import { api } from '@/lib/api';
+import { useEffect, useState } from 'react';
+import { AtSign, Plus, Trash2, Search, Check, X, Clock, ChevronDown, Upload } from 'lucide-react';
+
+const CATEGORIES = [
+  { value: '', label: 'All Categories' },
+  { value: 'platform', label: 'Platform' },
+  { value: 'brand', label: 'Brand' },
+  { value: 'public_figure', label: 'Public Figure' },
+  { value: 'custom', label: 'Custom' },
+];
+
+export default function UsernamesPage() {
+  const [tab, setTab] = useState<'reserved' | 'claims'>('reserved');
+
+  return (
+    <AdminShell>
+      <div className="mb-6">
+        <h1 className="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900">Username Management</h1>
+        <p className="text-sm text-gray-500 mt-1">Manage reserved usernames and review claim requests</p>
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Tab Switcher */}
+      <div className="flex gap-1 bg-warm-200 p-1 rounded-lg w-fit mb-6">
+        <button
+          onClick={() => setTab('reserved')}
+          className={`px-4 py-2 text-sm font-medium rounded-md transition-colors ${
+            tab === 'reserved' ? 'bg-white text-gray-900 shadow-sm' : 'text-gray-500 hover:text-gray-700'
+          }`}
+        >
+          Reserved Usernames
+        </button>
+        <button
+          onClick={() => setTab('claims')}
+          className={`px-4 py-2 text-sm font-medium rounded-md transition-colors ${
+            tab === 'claims' ? 'bg-white text-gray-900 shadow-sm' : 'text-gray-500 hover:text-gray-700'
+          }`}
+        >
+          Claim Requests
+        </button>
+      </div>
+
+      {tab === 'reserved' ? <ReservedTab /> : <ClaimsTab />}
+    </AdminShell>
+  );
+}
+
+// ─── Reserved Usernames Tab ───────────────────────────────
+
+function ReservedTab() {
+  const [items, setItems] = useState<any[]>([]);
+  const [total, setTotal] = useState(0);
+  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
+  const [search, setSearch] = useState('');
+  const [category, setCategory] = useState('');
+  const [showAdd, setShowAdd] = useState(false);
+  const [showBulk, setShowBulk] = useState(false);
+  const [addForm, setAddForm] = useState({ username: '', category: 'custom', reason: '' });
+  const [bulkForm, setBulkForm] = useState({ text: '', category: 'custom', reason: '' });
+  const [saving, setSaving] = useState(false);
+  const [offset, setOffset] = useState(0);
+  const limit = 50;
+
+  const load = () => {
+    setLoading(true);
+    api.listReservedUsernames({ search: search || undefined, category: category || undefined, limit, offset })
+      .then((data) => {
+        setItems(data.reserved_usernames || []);
+        setTotal(data.total || 0);
+      })
+      .catch(() => {})
+      .finally(() => setLoading(false));
+  };
+
+  useEffect(() => { load(); }, [search, category, offset]);
+
+  const handleAdd = async () => {
+    if (!addForm.username.trim()) return;
+    setSaving(true);
+    try {
+      await api.addReservedUsername(addForm);
+      setAddForm({ username: '', category: 'custom', reason: '' });
+      setShowAdd(false);
+      load();
+    } catch (e: any) {
+      alert(e.message);
+    } finally {
+      setSaving(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleBulkAdd = async () => {
+    const usernames = bulkForm.text.split('\n').map(u => u.trim()).filter(Boolean);
+    if (usernames.length === 0) return;
+    setSaving(true);
+    try {
+      const res = await api.bulkAddReservedUsernames({ usernames, category: bulkForm.category, reason: bulkForm.reason });
+      alert(res.message);
+      setBulkForm({ text: '', category: 'custom', reason: '' });
+      setShowBulk(false);
+      load();
+    } catch (e: any) {
+      alert(e.message);
+    } finally {
+      setSaving(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleRemove = async (id: string, username: string) => {
+    if (!confirm(`Remove "${username}" from reserved list?`)) return;
+    try {
+      await api.removeReservedUsername(id);
+      load();
+    } catch (e: any) {
+      alert(e.message);
+    }
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <div>
+      {/* Actions Bar */}
+      <div className="flex items-center gap-3 mb-4">
+        <div className="relative flex-1 max-w-sm">
+          <Search className="absolute left-3 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 w-4 h-4 text-gray-400" />
+          <input
+            type="text"
+            placeholder="Search usernames..."
+            value={search}
+            onChange={(e) => { setSearch(e.target.value); setOffset(0); }}
+            className="w-full pl-9 pr-3 py-2 text-sm border border-warm-300 rounded-lg focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-brand-500"
+          />
+        </div>
+        <select
+          value={category}
+          onChange={(e) => { setCategory(e.target.value); setOffset(0); }}
+          className="text-sm border border-warm-300 rounded-lg px-3 py-2 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-brand-500"
+        >
+          {CATEGORIES.map((c) => (
+            <option key={c.value} value={c.value}>{c.label}</option>
+          ))}
+        </select>
+        <button onClick={() => setShowAdd(!showAdd)} className="btn-primary text-sm flex items-center gap-1.5">
+          <Plus className="w-4 h-4" /> Add
+        </button>
+        <button onClick={() => setShowBulk(!showBulk)} className="btn-secondary text-sm flex items-center gap-1.5">
+          <Upload className="w-4 h-4" /> Bulk Add
+        </button>
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Add Form */}
+      {showAdd && (
+        <div className="card p-4 mb-4">
+          <h3 className="text-sm font-semibold text-gray-700 mb-3">Add Reserved Username</h3>
+          <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-4 gap-3">
+            <input
+              type="text"
+              placeholder="Username"
+              value={addForm.username}
+              onChange={(e) => setAddForm({ ...addForm, username: e.target.value.toLowerCase() })}
+              className="text-sm border border-warm-300 rounded-lg px-3 py-2 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-brand-500"
+            />
+            <select
+              value={addForm.category}
+              onChange={(e) => setAddForm({ ...addForm, category: e.target.value })}
+              className="text-sm border border-warm-300 rounded-lg px-3 py-2 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-brand-500"
+            >
+              <option value="platform">Platform</option>
+              <option value="brand">Brand</option>
+              <option value="public_figure">Public Figure</option>
+              <option value="custom">Custom</option>
+            </select>
+            <input
+              type="text"
+              placeholder="Reason (optional)"
+              value={addForm.reason}
+              onChange={(e) => setAddForm({ ...addForm, reason: e.target.value })}
+              className="text-sm border border-warm-300 rounded-lg px-3 py-2 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-brand-500"
+            />
+            <button onClick={handleAdd} disabled={saving} className="btn-primary text-sm">
+              {saving ? 'Saving...' : 'Reserve'}
+            </button>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Bulk Add Form */}
+      {showBulk && (
+        <div className="card p-4 mb-4">
+          <h3 className="text-sm font-semibold text-gray-700 mb-3">Bulk Add Reserved Usernames</h3>
+          <p className="text-xs text-gray-400 mb-2">One username per line</p>
+          <textarea
+            rows={6}
+            placeholder={"google\napple\nmicrosoft\n..."}
+            value={bulkForm.text}
+            onChange={(e) => setBulkForm({ ...bulkForm, text: e.target.value })}
+            className="w-full text-sm border border-warm-300 rounded-lg px-3 py-2 mb-3 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-brand-500 font-mono"
+          />
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+            <select
+              value={bulkForm.category}
+              onChange={(e) => setBulkForm({ ...bulkForm, category: e.target.value })}
+              className="text-sm border border-warm-300 rounded-lg px-3 py-2 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-brand-500"
+            >
+              <option value="platform">Platform</option>
+              <option value="brand">Brand</option>
+              <option value="public_figure">Public Figure</option>
+              <option value="custom">Custom</option>
+            </select>
+            <input
+              type="text"
+              placeholder="Reason (optional)"
+              value={bulkForm.reason}
+              onChange={(e) => setBulkForm({ ...bulkForm, reason: e.target.value })}
+              className="text-sm border border-warm-300 rounded-lg px-3 py-2 flex-1 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-brand-500"
+            />
+            <button onClick={handleBulkAdd} disabled={saving} className="btn-primary text-sm">
+              {saving ? 'Adding...' : `Add ${bulkForm.text.split('\n').filter(Boolean).length} Usernames`}
+            </button>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Table */}
+      <div className="card overflow-hidden">
+        <div className="px-4 py-3 border-b border-warm-200 flex items-center justify-between">
+          <span className="text-sm font-medium text-gray-700">{total} reserved username{total !== 1 ? 's' : ''}</span>
+        </div>
+        {loading ? (
+          <div className="p-8 text-center text-gray-400 text-sm">Loading...</div>
+        ) : items.length === 0 ? (
+          <div className="p-8 text-center text-gray-400 text-sm">No reserved usernames found</div>
+        ) : (
+          <table className="w-full text-sm">
+            <thead>
+              <tr className="border-b border-warm-200 bg-warm-100">
+                <th className="text-left px-4 py-2.5 font-medium text-gray-600">Username</th>
+                <th className="text-left px-4 py-2.5 font-medium text-gray-600">Category</th>
+                <th className="text-left px-4 py-2.5 font-medium text-gray-600">Reason</th>
+                <th className="text-left px-4 py-2.5 font-medium text-gray-600">Added</th>
+                <th className="text-right px-4 py-2.5 font-medium text-gray-600">Actions</th>
+              </tr>
+            </thead>
+            <tbody>
+              {items.map((item) => (
+                <tr key={item.id} className="border-b border-warm-100 hover:bg-warm-50 transition-colors">
+                  <td className="px-4 py-2.5 font-mono font-medium text-gray-900">@{item.username}</td>
+                  <td className="px-4 py-2.5">
+                    <span className={`inline-block px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full text-xs font-medium ${
+                      item.category === 'platform' ? 'bg-blue-100 text-blue-700' :
+                      item.category === 'brand' ? 'bg-purple-100 text-purple-700' :
+                      item.category === 'public_figure' ? 'bg-amber-100 text-amber-700' :
+                      'bg-gray-100 text-gray-700'
+                    }`}>
+                      {item.category.replace('_', ' ')}
+                    </span>
+                  </td>
+                  <td className="px-4 py-2.5 text-gray-500 max-w-xs truncate">{item.reason || '—'}</td>
+                  <td className="px-4 py-2.5 text-gray-400">{new Date(item.created_at).toLocaleDateString()}</td>
+                  <td className="px-4 py-2.5 text-right">
+                    <button
+                      onClick={() => handleRemove(item.id, item.username)}
+                      className="p-1.5 text-red-500 hover:bg-red-50 rounded-lg transition-colors"
+                      title="Remove"
+                    >
+                      <Trash2 className="w-4 h-4" />
+                    </button>
+                  </td>
+                </tr>
+              ))}
+            </tbody>
+          </table>
+        )}
+
+        {/* Pagination */}
+        {total > limit && (
+          <div className="px-4 py-3 border-t border-warm-200 flex items-center justify-between">
+            <span className="text-xs text-gray-400">
+              Showing {offset + 1}–{Math.min(offset + limit, total)} of {total}
+            </span>
+            <div className="flex gap-2">
+              <button
+                onClick={() => setOffset(Math.max(0, offset - limit))}
+                disabled={offset === 0}
+                className="text-xs px-3 py-1.5 border border-warm-300 rounded-lg disabled:opacity-40"
+              >
+                Previous
+              </button>
+              <button
+                onClick={() => setOffset(offset + limit)}
+                disabled={offset + limit >= total}
+                className="text-xs px-3 py-1.5 border border-warm-300 rounded-lg disabled:opacity-40"
+              >
+                Next
+              </button>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        )}
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+}
+
+// ─── Claim Requests Tab ───────────────────────────────────
+
+function ClaimsTab() {
+  const [items, setItems] = useState<any[]>([]);
+  const [total, setTotal] = useState(0);
+  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
+  const [status, setStatus] = useState('pending');
+  const [reviewingId, setReviewingId] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [reviewNotes, setReviewNotes] = useState('');
+  const [saving, setSaving] = useState(false);
+
+  const load = () => {
+    setLoading(true);
+    api.listClaimRequests({ status })
+      .then((data) => {
+        setItems(data.claim_requests || []);
+        setTotal(data.total || 0);
+      })
+      .catch(() => {})
+      .finally(() => setLoading(false));
+  };
+
+  useEffect(() => { load(); }, [status]);
+
+  const handleReview = async (id: string, decision: 'approved' | 'denied') => {
+    setSaving(true);
+    try {
+      await api.reviewClaimRequest(id, decision, reviewNotes);
+      setReviewingId(null);
+      setReviewNotes('');
+      load();
+    } catch (e: any) {
+      alert(e.message);
+    } finally {
+      setSaving(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <div>
+      {/* Status Filter */}
+      <div className="flex gap-2 mb-4">
+        {['pending', 'approved', 'denied'].map((s) => (
+          <button
+            key={s}
+            onClick={() => setStatus(s)}
+            className={`px-3 py-1.5 text-sm rounded-lg font-medium transition-colors ${
+              status === s
+                ? s === 'pending' ? 'bg-yellow-100 text-yellow-800' :
+                  s === 'approved' ? 'bg-green-100 text-green-800' :
+                  'bg-red-100 text-red-800'
+                : 'bg-warm-200 text-gray-600 hover:bg-warm-300'
+            }`}
+          >
+            {s.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + s.slice(1)}
+          </button>
+        ))}
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Cards */}
+      {loading ? (
+        <div className="card p-8 text-center text-gray-400 text-sm">Loading...</div>
+      ) : items.length === 0 ? (
+        <div className="card p-8 text-center text-gray-400 text-sm">No {status} claim requests</div>
+      ) : (
+        <div className="space-y-3">
+          {items.map((item) => (
+            <div key={item.id} className="card p-4">
+              <div className="flex items-start justify-between gap-4">
+                <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
+                  <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-1">
+                    <span className="font-mono font-bold text-gray-900">@{item.requested_username}</span>
+                    <span className={`inline-block px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full text-xs font-medium ${
+                      item.status === 'pending' ? 'bg-yellow-100 text-yellow-700' :
+                      item.status === 'approved' ? 'bg-green-100 text-green-700' :
+                      'bg-red-100 text-red-700'
+                    }`}>
+                      {item.status}
+                    </span>
+                  </div>
+
+                  <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-x-6 gap-y-1 text-sm mt-2">
+                    <div><span className="text-gray-400">Email:</span> <span className="text-gray-700">{item.requester_email}</span></div>
+                    {item.requester_name && <div><span className="text-gray-400">Name:</span> <span className="text-gray-700">{item.requester_name}</span></div>}
+                    {item.organization && <div><span className="text-gray-400">Organization:</span> <span className="text-gray-700">{item.organization}</span></div>}
+                    {item.proof_url && <div><span className="text-gray-400">Proof:</span> <a href={item.proof_url} target="_blank" rel="noopener" className="text-brand-600 hover:underline">{item.proof_url}</a></div>}
+                    <div><span className="text-gray-400">Submitted:</span> <span className="text-gray-700">{new Date(item.created_at).toLocaleString()}</span></div>
+                  </div>
+
+                  <div className="mt-2 p-2 bg-warm-100 rounded-lg text-sm text-gray-600">
+                    <span className="font-medium text-gray-500">Justification:</span> {item.justification}
+                  </div>
+
+                  {item.review_notes && (
+                    <div className="mt-2 p-2 bg-blue-50 rounded-lg text-sm text-blue-700">
+                      <span className="font-medium">Review notes:</span> {item.review_notes}
+                    </div>
+                  )}
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Actions */}
+                {item.status === 'pending' && (
+                  <div className="flex flex-col gap-2 flex-shrink-0">
+                    {reviewingId === item.id ? (
+                      <div className="w-64">
+                        <textarea
+                          rows={2}
+                          placeholder="Review notes (optional)..."
+                          value={reviewNotes}
+                          onChange={(e) => setReviewNotes(e.target.value)}
+                          className="w-full text-sm border border-warm-300 rounded-lg px-3 py-2 mb-2 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-brand-500"
+                        />
+                        <div className="flex gap-2">
+                          <button
+                            onClick={() => handleReview(item.id, 'approved')}
+                            disabled={saving}
+                            className="flex-1 flex items-center justify-center gap-1 px-3 py-1.5 text-sm font-medium bg-green-600 text-white rounded-lg hover:bg-green-700 transition-colors disabled:opacity-50"
+                          >
+                            <Check className="w-3.5 h-3.5" /> Approve
+                          </button>
+                          <button
+                            onClick={() => handleReview(item.id, 'denied')}
+                            disabled={saving}
+                            className="flex-1 flex items-center justify-center gap-1 px-3 py-1.5 text-sm font-medium bg-red-600 text-white rounded-lg hover:bg-red-700 transition-colors disabled:opacity-50"
+                          >
+                            <X className="w-3.5 h-3.5" /> Deny
+                          </button>
+                        </div>
+                        <button
+                          onClick={() => { setReviewingId(null); setReviewNotes(''); }}
+                          className="w-full mt-1 text-xs text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-600"
+                        >
+                          Cancel
+                        </button>
+                      </div>
+                    ) : (
+                      <button
+                        onClick={() => setReviewingId(item.id)}
+                        className="btn-primary text-sm"
+                      >
+                        Review
+                      </button>
+                    )}
+                  </div>
+                )}
+              </div>
+            </div>
+          ))}
+        </div>
+      )}
+    </div>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/admin/src/components/Sidebar.tsx b/admin/src/components/Sidebar.tsx
index 2e7ecb6..b7137df 100644
--- a/admin/src/components/Sidebar.tsx
+++ b/admin/src/components/Sidebar.tsx
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import { useAuth } from '@/lib/auth';
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils';
 import {
   LayoutDashboard, Users, FileText, Shield, Scale, Flag,
-  Settings, Activity, LogOut, ChevronLeft, ChevronRight, Sliders, FolderTree, HardDrive,
+  Settings, Activity, LogOut, ChevronLeft, ChevronRight, Sliders, FolderTree, HardDrive, AtSign,
 } from 'lucide-react';
 import { useState } from 'react';
 
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ const navItems = [
   { href: '/reports', label: 'Reports', icon: Flag },
   { href: '/algorithm', label: 'Algorithm', icon: Sliders },
   { href: '/categories', label: 'Categories', icon: FolderTree },
+  { href: '/usernames', label: 'Usernames', icon: AtSign },
   { href: '/storage', label: 'Storage', icon: HardDrive },
   { href: '/system', label: 'System Health', icon: Activity },
   { href: '/settings', label: 'Settings', icon: Settings },
diff --git a/admin/src/lib/api.ts b/admin/src/lib/api.ts
index 92111ed..bb20baa 100644
--- a/admin/src/lib/api.ts
+++ b/admin/src/lib/api.ts
@@ -282,6 +282,50 @@ class ApiClient {
       body: JSON.stringify({ bucket, key }),
     });
   }
+
+  // Reserved Usernames
+  async listReservedUsernames(params: { category?: string; search?: string; limit?: number; offset?: number } = {}) {
+    const qs = new URLSearchParams();
+    if (params.category) qs.set('category', params.category);
+    if (params.search) qs.set('search', params.search);
+    if (params.limit) qs.set('limit', String(params.limit));
+    if (params.offset) qs.set('offset', String(params.offset));
+    return this.request<any>(`/api/v1/admin/usernames/reserved?${qs}`);
+  }
+
+  async addReservedUsername(data: { username: string; category?: string; reason?: string }) {
+    return this.request<any>('/api/v1/admin/usernames/reserved', {
+      method: 'POST',
+      body: JSON.stringify(data),
+    });
+  }
+
+  async bulkAddReservedUsernames(data: { usernames: string[]; category?: string; reason?: string }) {
+    return this.request<any>('/api/v1/admin/usernames/reserved/bulk', {
+      method: 'POST',
+      body: JSON.stringify(data),
+    });
+  }
+
+  async removeReservedUsername(id: string) {
+    return this.request<any>(`/api/v1/admin/usernames/reserved/${id}`, { method: 'DELETE' });
+  }
+
+  // Username Claim Requests
+  async listClaimRequests(params: { status?: string; limit?: number; offset?: number } = {}) {
+    const qs = new URLSearchParams();
+    if (params.status) qs.set('status', params.status);
+    if (params.limit) qs.set('limit', String(params.limit));
+    if (params.offset) qs.set('offset', String(params.offset));
+    return this.request<any>(`/api/v1/admin/usernames/claims?${qs}`);
+  }
+
+  async reviewClaimRequest(id: string, decision: string, notes?: string) {
+    return this.request<any>(`/api/v1/admin/usernames/claims/${id}`, {
+      method: 'PATCH',
+      body: JSON.stringify({ decision, notes }),
+    });
+  }
 }
 
 export const api = new ApiClient();
diff --git a/go-backend/cmd/api/main.go b/go-backend/cmd/api/main.go
index 2807c93..ddb3ae7 100644
--- a/go-backend/cmd/api/main.go
+++ b/go-backend/cmd/api/main.go
@@ -433,8 +433,21 @@ func main() {
 		admin.GET("/storage/objects", adminHandler.ListStorageObjects)
 		admin.GET("/storage/object", adminHandler.GetStorageObject)
 		admin.DELETE("/storage/object", adminHandler.DeleteStorageObject)
+
+		// Reserved Usernames
+		admin.GET("/usernames/reserved", adminHandler.ListReservedUsernames)
+		admin.POST("/usernames/reserved", adminHandler.AddReservedUsername)
+		admin.POST("/usernames/reserved/bulk", adminHandler.BulkAddReservedUsernames)
+		admin.DELETE("/usernames/reserved/:id", adminHandler.RemoveReservedUsername)
+
+		// Username Claim Requests
+		admin.GET("/usernames/claims", adminHandler.ListClaimRequests)
+		admin.PATCH("/usernames/claims/:id", adminHandler.ReviewClaimRequest)
 	}
 
+	// Public claim request endpoint (no auth)
+	r.POST("/api/v1/username-claim", adminHandler.SubmitClaimRequest)
+
 	srv := &http.Server{
 		Addr:    ":" + cfg.Port,
 		Handler: r,
diff --git a/go-backend/internal/handlers/admin_handler.go b/go-backend/internal/handlers/admin_handler.go
index b57188d..c8ba752 100644
--- a/go-backend/internal/handlers/admin_handler.go
+++ b/go-backend/internal/handlers/admin_handler.go
@@ -1982,3 +1982,325 @@ func (h *AdminHandler) DeleteStorageObject(c *gin.Context) {
 
 	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, gin.H{"message": "Object deleted"})
 }
+
+// ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+// Reserved Usernames Management
+// ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func (h *AdminHandler) ListReservedUsernames(c *gin.Context) {
+	ctx := c.Request.Context()
+	category := c.Query("category")
+	search := c.Query("search")
+	limit := 50
+	offset := 0
+	if v, err := strconv.Atoi(c.Query("limit")); err == nil && v > 0 {
+		limit = v
+	}
+	if v, err := strconv.Atoi(c.Query("offset")); err == nil && v >= 0 {
+		offset = v
+	}
+
+	query := `SELECT id, username, category, reason, created_at FROM reserved_usernames WHERE 1=1`
+	args := []interface{}{}
+	argIdx := 1
+
+	if category != "" {
+		query += fmt.Sprintf(` AND category = $%d`, argIdx)
+		args = append(args, category)
+		argIdx++
+	}
+	if search != "" {
+		query += fmt.Sprintf(` AND username ILIKE $%d`, argIdx)
+		args = append(args, "%"+search+"%")
+		argIdx++
+	}
+
+	// Count
+	countQuery := strings.Replace(query, "id, username, category, reason, created_at", "COUNT(*)", 1)
+	var total int
+	h.pool.QueryRow(ctx, countQuery, args...).Scan(&total)
+
+	query += fmt.Sprintf(` ORDER BY username ASC LIMIT $%d OFFSET $%d`, argIdx, argIdx+1)
+	args = append(args, limit, offset)
+
+	rows, err := h.pool.Query(ctx, query, args...)
+	if err != nil {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusInternalServerError, gin.H{"error": "Failed to list reserved usernames"})
+		return
+	}
+	defer rows.Close()
+
+	type ReservedUsername struct {
+		ID        string    `json:"id"`
+		Username  string    `json:"username"`
+		Category  string    `json:"category"`
+		Reason    *string   `json:"reason"`
+		CreatedAt time.Time `json:"created_at"`
+	}
+	var items []ReservedUsername
+	for rows.Next() {
+		var item ReservedUsername
+		if err := rows.Scan(&item.ID, &item.Username, &item.Category, &item.Reason, &item.CreatedAt); err == nil {
+			items = append(items, item)
+		}
+	}
+	if items == nil {
+		items = []ReservedUsername{}
+	}
+	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, gin.H{"reserved_usernames": items, "total": total})
+}
+
+func (h *AdminHandler) AddReservedUsername(c *gin.Context) {
+	ctx := c.Request.Context()
+	adminID, _ := c.Get("user_id")
+
+	var req struct {
+		Username string `json:"username" binding:"required"`
+		Category string `json:"category"`
+		Reason   string `json:"reason"`
+	}
+	if err := c.ShouldBindJSON(&req); err != nil {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusBadRequest, gin.H{"error": err.Error()})
+		return
+	}
+
+	req.Username = strings.ToLower(strings.TrimSpace(req.Username))
+	if req.Category == "" {
+		req.Category = "custom"
+	}
+
+	adminUUID, _ := uuid.Parse(adminID.(string))
+	_, err := h.pool.Exec(ctx, `
+		INSERT INTO reserved_usernames (username, category, reason, added_by)
+		VALUES ($1, $2, $3, $4)
+		ON CONFLICT (username) DO UPDATE SET category = $2, reason = $3
+	`, req.Username, req.Category, req.Reason, adminUUID)
+	if err != nil {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusInternalServerError, gin.H{"error": "Failed to add reserved username"})
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Audit
+	h.pool.Exec(ctx, `
+		INSERT INTO audit_log (actor_id, action, target_type, details)
+		VALUES ($1, 'admin_reserve_username', 'username', $2)
+	`, adminUUID, fmt.Sprintf(`{"username":"%s","category":"%s"}`, req.Username, req.Category))
+
+	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, gin.H{"message": "Username reserved"})
+}
+
+func (h *AdminHandler) RemoveReservedUsername(c *gin.Context) {
+	ctx := c.Request.Context()
+	adminID, _ := c.Get("user_id")
+	id := c.Param("id")
+
+	var username string
+	h.pool.QueryRow(ctx, `SELECT username FROM reserved_usernames WHERE id = $1`, id).Scan(&username)
+
+	_, err := h.pool.Exec(ctx, `DELETE FROM reserved_usernames WHERE id = $1`, id)
+	if err != nil {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusInternalServerError, gin.H{"error": "Failed to remove reserved username"})
+		return
+	}
+
+	adminUUID, _ := uuid.Parse(adminID.(string))
+	h.pool.Exec(ctx, `
+		INSERT INTO audit_log (actor_id, action, target_type, details)
+		VALUES ($1, 'admin_unreserve_username', 'username', $2)
+	`, adminUUID, fmt.Sprintf(`{"username":"%s"}`, username))
+
+	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, gin.H{"message": "Reserved username removed"})
+}
+
+func (h *AdminHandler) BulkAddReservedUsernames(c *gin.Context) {
+	ctx := c.Request.Context()
+	adminID, _ := c.Get("user_id")
+
+	var req struct {
+		Usernames []string `json:"usernames" binding:"required"`
+		Category  string   `json:"category"`
+		Reason    string   `json:"reason"`
+	}
+	if err := c.ShouldBindJSON(&req); err != nil {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusBadRequest, gin.H{"error": err.Error()})
+		return
+	}
+	if req.Category == "" {
+		req.Category = "custom"
+	}
+
+	adminUUID, _ := uuid.Parse(adminID.(string))
+	added := 0
+	for _, u := range req.Usernames {
+		u = strings.ToLower(strings.TrimSpace(u))
+		if u == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		_, err := h.pool.Exec(ctx, `
+			INSERT INTO reserved_usernames (username, category, reason, added_by)
+			VALUES ($1, $2, $3, $4)
+			ON CONFLICT (username) DO NOTHING
+		`, u, req.Category, req.Reason, adminUUID)
+		if err == nil {
+			added++
+		}
+	}
+
+	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, gin.H{"message": fmt.Sprintf("Added %d reserved usernames", added), "added": added})
+}
+
+// ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+// Username Claim Requests
+// ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func (h *AdminHandler) ListClaimRequests(c *gin.Context) {
+	ctx := c.Request.Context()
+	status := c.DefaultQuery("status", "pending")
+	limit := 50
+	offset := 0
+	if v, err := strconv.Atoi(c.Query("limit")); err == nil && v > 0 {
+		limit = v
+	}
+	if v, err := strconv.Atoi(c.Query("offset")); err == nil && v >= 0 {
+		offset = v
+	}
+
+	var total int
+	h.pool.QueryRow(ctx, `SELECT COUNT(*) FROM username_claim_requests WHERE status = $1`, status).Scan(&total)
+
+	rows, err := h.pool.Query(ctx, `
+		SELECT id, requested_username, requester_email, requester_name, requester_user_id,
+		       organization, justification, proof_url, status, review_notes, reviewed_at, created_at
+		FROM username_claim_requests
+		WHERE status = $1
+		ORDER BY created_at DESC
+		LIMIT $2 OFFSET $3
+	`, status, limit, offset)
+	if err != nil {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusInternalServerError, gin.H{"error": "Failed to list claim requests"})
+		return
+	}
+	defer rows.Close()
+
+	type ClaimRequest struct {
+		ID                string     `json:"id"`
+		RequestedUsername string     `json:"requested_username"`
+		RequesterEmail    string     `json:"requester_email"`
+		RequesterName     *string    `json:"requester_name"`
+		RequesterUserID   *string    `json:"requester_user_id"`
+		Organization      *string    `json:"organization"`
+		Justification     string     `json:"justification"`
+		ProofURL          *string    `json:"proof_url"`
+		Status            string     `json:"status"`
+		ReviewNotes       *string    `json:"review_notes"`
+		ReviewedAt        *time.Time `json:"reviewed_at"`
+		CreatedAt         time.Time  `json:"created_at"`
+	}
+
+	var items []ClaimRequest
+	for rows.Next() {
+		var item ClaimRequest
+		if err := rows.Scan(
+			&item.ID, &item.RequestedUsername, &item.RequesterEmail, &item.RequesterName,
+			&item.RequesterUserID, &item.Organization, &item.Justification, &item.ProofURL,
+			&item.Status, &item.ReviewNotes, &item.ReviewedAt, &item.CreatedAt,
+		); err == nil {
+			items = append(items, item)
+		}
+	}
+	if items == nil {
+		items = []ClaimRequest{}
+	}
+	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, gin.H{"claim_requests": items, "total": total})
+}
+
+func (h *AdminHandler) ReviewClaimRequest(c *gin.Context) {
+	ctx := c.Request.Context()
+	adminID, _ := c.Get("user_id")
+	id := c.Param("id")
+
+	var req struct {
+		Decision string `json:"decision" binding:"required"` // approved, denied
+		Notes    string `json:"notes"`
+	}
+	if err := c.ShouldBindJSON(&req); err != nil {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusBadRequest, gin.H{"error": err.Error()})
+		return
+	}
+
+	if req.Decision != "approved" && req.Decision != "denied" {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusBadRequest, gin.H{"error": "Decision must be 'approved' or 'denied'"})
+		return
+	}
+
+	adminUUID, _ := uuid.Parse(adminID.(string))
+	_, err := h.pool.Exec(ctx, `
+		UPDATE username_claim_requests
+		SET status = $1, reviewer_id = $2, review_notes = $3, reviewed_at = NOW(), updated_at = NOW()
+		WHERE id = $4
+	`, req.Decision, adminUUID, req.Notes, id)
+	if err != nil {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusInternalServerError, gin.H{"error": "Failed to update claim request"})
+		return
+	}
+
+	// If approved, remove from reserved list so user can register it
+	if req.Decision == "approved" {
+		var username string
+		h.pool.QueryRow(ctx, `SELECT requested_username FROM username_claim_requests WHERE id = $1`, id).Scan(&username)
+		if username != "" {
+			h.pool.Exec(ctx, `DELETE FROM reserved_usernames WHERE username = $1`, strings.ToLower(username))
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Audit
+	h.pool.Exec(ctx, `
+		INSERT INTO audit_log (actor_id, action, target_type, target_id, details)
+		VALUES ($1, 'admin_review_claim', 'claim_request', $2, $3)
+	`, adminUUID, id, fmt.Sprintf(`{"decision":"%s"}`, req.Decision))
+
+	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, gin.H{"message": "Claim request " + req.Decision})
+}
+
+// ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+// Public: Submit a claim request (no auth required)
+// ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func (h *AdminHandler) SubmitClaimRequest(c *gin.Context) {
+	ctx := c.Request.Context()
+
+	var req struct {
+		RequestedUsername string `json:"requested_username" binding:"required"`
+		Email             string `json:"email" binding:"required,email"`
+		Name              string `json:"name"`
+		Organization      string `json:"organization"`
+		Justification     string `json:"justification" binding:"required"`
+		ProofURL          string `json:"proof_url"`
+	}
+	if err := c.ShouldBindJSON(&req); err != nil {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusBadRequest, gin.H{"error": err.Error()})
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Check for duplicate pending request
+	var existing int
+	h.pool.QueryRow(ctx, `
+		SELECT COUNT(*) FROM username_claim_requests
+		WHERE requested_username = $1 AND requester_email = $2 AND status = 'pending'
+	`, strings.ToLower(req.RequestedUsername), strings.ToLower(req.Email)).Scan(&existing)
+	if existing > 0 {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusConflict, gin.H{"error": "You already have a pending claim for this username"})
+		return
+	}
+
+	_, err := h.pool.Exec(ctx, `
+		INSERT INTO username_claim_requests (requested_username, requester_email, requester_name, organization, justification, proof_url)
+		VALUES ($1, $2, $3, $4, $5, $6)
+	`, strings.ToLower(req.RequestedUsername), strings.ToLower(req.Email), req.Name, req.Organization, req.Justification, req.ProofURL)
+	if err != nil {
+		c.JSON(http.StatusInternalServerError, gin.H{"error": "Failed to submit claim request"})
+		return
+	}
+
+	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, gin.H{"message": "Your claim request has been submitted and will be reviewed by our team."})
+}
diff --git a/go-backend/internal/handlers/auth_handler.go b/go-backend/internal/handlers/auth_handler.go
index dfa4678..05b3cf5 100644
--- a/go-backend/internal/handlers/auth_handler.go
+++ b/go-backend/internal/handlers/auth_handler.go
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ func (h *AuthHandler) Register(c *gin.Context) {
 	}
 
 	// Validate handle against reserved names and inappropriate content
-	handleCheck := services.ValidateUsername(req.Handle)
+	handleCheck := services.ValidateUsernameWithDB(c.Request.Context(), h.repo.Pool(), req.Handle)
 	if handleCheck.Violation != services.UsernameOK {
 		status := http.StatusBadRequest
 		if handleCheck.Violation == services.UsernameReserved {
diff --git a/go-backend/internal/handlers/user_handler.go b/go-backend/internal/handlers/user_handler.go
index 5eba558..a0fc5e7 100644
--- a/go-backend/internal/handlers/user_handler.go
+++ b/go-backend/internal/handlers/user_handler.go
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ func (h *UserHandler) UpdateProfile(c *gin.Context) {
 
 	// Validate handle if being changed
 	if req.Handle != nil {
-		handleCheck := services.ValidateUsername(*req.Handle)
+		handleCheck := services.ValidateUsernameWithDB(c.Request.Context(), h.repo.Pool(), *req.Handle)
 		if handleCheck.Violation != services.UsernameOK {
 			status := http.StatusBadRequest
 			if handleCheck.Violation == services.UsernameReserved {
diff --git a/go-backend/internal/repository/user_repository.go b/go-backend/internal/repository/user_repository.go
index 3e0f8ef..920ad42 100644
--- a/go-backend/internal/repository/user_repository.go
+++ b/go-backend/internal/repository/user_repository.go
@@ -23,6 +23,10 @@ func NewUserRepository(pool *pgxpool.Pool) *UserRepository {
 	return &UserRepository{pool: pool}
 }
 
+func (r *UserRepository) Pool() *pgxpool.Pool {
+	return r.pool
+}
+
 func (r *UserRepository) CreateProfile(ctx context.Context, profile *models.Profile) error {
 	query := `
 		INSERT INTO public.profiles (id, handle, display_name, bio, origin_country)
diff --git a/go-backend/internal/services/username_validation_service.go b/go-backend/internal/services/username_validation_service.go
index 022793a..7a623b6 100644
--- a/go-backend/internal/services/username_validation_service.go
+++ b/go-backend/internal/services/username_validation_service.go
@@ -1,8 +1,11 @@
 package services
 
 import (
+	"context"
 	"regexp"
 	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/jackc/pgx/v5/pgxpool"
 )
 
 type UsernameViolation int
@@ -19,6 +22,29 @@ type UsernameCheckResult struct {
 	Message   string
 }
 
+// ValidateUsernameWithDB checks a handle against reserved names (hardcoded + DB),
+// inappropriate words, and format rules.
+func ValidateUsernameWithDB(ctx context.Context, pool *pgxpool.Pool, handle string) UsernameCheckResult {
+	result := ValidateUsername(handle)
+	if result.Violation != UsernameOK {
+		return result
+	}
+
+	// Also check DB reserved_usernames table
+	if pool != nil {
+		var count int
+		err := pool.QueryRow(ctx, `SELECT COUNT(*) FROM reserved_usernames WHERE username = $1`, strings.ToLower(strings.TrimSpace(handle))).Scan(&count)
+		if err == nil && count > 0 {
+			return UsernameCheckResult{
+				UsernameReserved,
+				"This username is reserved. If you officially represent this brand, company, or public figure, you can submit a verification request at support@sojorn.net to claim it.",
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	return UsernameCheckResult{UsernameOK, ""}
+}
+
 // ValidateUsername checks a handle against reserved names, inappropriate words,
 // and format rules. Returns a result with a user-facing message.
 func ValidateUsername(handle string) UsernameCheckResult {