diff --git a/.github/copilot-instructions.md b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
index 2f5f1c770c..b3d8583868 100644
--- a/.github/copilot-instructions.md
+++ b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
@@ -132,8 +132,9 @@ When a new issue is created, follow these steps:
 - Tag reviewers based on `CODEOWNERS` file
 
 ## 🌿 Branch Naming
-- All branches created by AI agents **must** use the `dev/automation/` prefix (e.g. `dev/automation/fix-connection-timeout`).
-- Do **not** create branches directly under `main`, `dev/`, or any other top-level prefix.
+- **Interactive agents**, working under direct human guidance, may create and use branches under `dev/<name>/` when the human specifies or approves the namespace and branch name (e.g., `dev/paul/aot/phase-1.1`).
+- **Autonomous agents**, working without interactive human direction, **must** create branches under `dev/automation/` (e.g., `dev/automation/fix-connection-timeout`).
+- Do **not** create branches outside these namespaces or directly under `dev/`.
 
 ## 🧠 Contextual Awareness
 - All source code is in `src/Microsoft.Data.SqlClient/src/`. Do NOT add code to legacy `netfx/src/` or `netcore/src/` directories.
diff --git a/.github/prompts/ado-work-item-agent.prompt.md b/.github/prompts/ado-work-item-agent.prompt.md
index e94d667bac..87100c87c0 100644
--- a/.github/prompts/ado-work-item-agent.prompt.md
+++ b/.github/prompts/ado-work-item-agent.prompt.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ Perform the following steps to address the work item. Think step-by-step.
 - Locate the relevant code in `src/` or `tests/`.
 
 ### 2. Planning and Branching
-- Propose a descriptive branch name following the repository rule `dev/automation/<branch-name>` (e.g., `dev/automation/fix-connection-pool`).
+- Propose a descriptive branch name following the [repository branch naming rules](../../AGENTS.md#branch-naming): interactive, human-directed agents may use an approved `dev/<name>/` branch; autonomous agents must use `dev/automation/`.
 - Identify any dependencies or potential breaking changes.
 
 ### 3. Implementation
diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index daa475d9b7..282bfc379e 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -74,12 +74,9 @@ When using shell/terminal tools, follow these rules strictly:
 
 ## Branch Naming
 
-All branches created by AI agents **must** live under the `dev/automation/` prefix. Use a descriptive suffix, for example:
-
-- `dev/automation/fix-connection-timeout`
-- `dev/automation/add-json-type-tests`
-
-Do **not** create branches directly under `main`, `dev/`, or any other top-level prefix.
+- **Interactive agents**, working under direct human guidance, may create and use branches under `dev/<name>/` when the human specifies or approves the namespace and branch name (e.g., `dev/paul/aot/phase-1.1`).
+- **Autonomous agents**, working without interactive human direction, **must** create branches under `dev/automation/` (e.g., `dev/automation/fix-connection-timeout`).
+- Do **not** create branches outside these namespaces or directly under `dev/`.
 
 ## Common Tasks