Change your name in Facebook settings in under two minutes

To change your name on Facebook, open the app or website, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, click Personal Information, then Name. Type your new name in the fields provided, click Review Change, and confirm. The change takes effect when ready, though Facebook limits how often you can change it — typically once every 60 days.

If you are using Facebook on a mobile phone, the steps are the same: tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll to Settings & Privacy, tap Settings, tap Personal Information, then Name. Enter your new name and confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings > Personal Information > Name on both desktop and mobile.
  • Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes to prevent misuse, though the exact timing may vary.
  • Your new name appears on your profile and in posts when ready after you confirm the change.
  • If Facebook rejects your name as violating community standards, you can appeal the decision or contact support for review.
  • Old versions of your name remain visible in your activity log and to people who viewed your profile before the change.

What happens to your old name after you change it

When you change your name, your old name does not disappear from Facebook entirely. People who viewed your profile before the change can still see your previous names in your activity log if they click on your name history. Your old posts, comments, and messages remain under your new name, but anyone who knew you by your previous name can still search for you using it — Facebook's search function recognizes both current and past names.

Your friends will see your new name on their friend list and in their feed when ready. If you have a public profile, anyone on Facebook can see your current name, but only you can see the full history of name changes in your activity log.

Why Facebook might reject your name change

Facebook has rules about what names are allowed on the platform. The most common reason for rejection is that your name contains numbers, symbols, or repeated characters that do not appear in real names — for example, "J0hn" or "John!!!". Facebook also rejects names that look like they are trying to impersonate someone else, advertise a business, or include hashtags and URLs.

If your name is rejected, Facebook will tell you why and give you the option to try again with a different name. If you believe your name was rejected by mistake — for instance, if your real name genuinely includes numbers or symbols — you can appeal the decision. Click the Appeal button in the rejection message, explain your situation, and upload a photo of an ID that shows your legal name. Facebook reviews appeals within a few days.

Changing your name if you have a Facebook Page or business account

If you manage a Facebook Page for a business or organization, changing your personal profile name does not change the Page name. To change a Page name, go to the Page, click Settings in the top menu, select General, and find the Page Name field. You can change it there, though Facebook may take a few minutes to update the change across the platform.

For business accounts, the process is similar: navigate to your account settings, find the name field under account information, and update it. Pages have fewer restrictions on name changes than personal profiles, but Facebook still does not allow names that impersonate other Pages or include misleading information.

The 60-day waiting period between name changes

After you change your name, Facebook prevents you from changing it again for approximately 60 days. This limit exists to stop people from repeatedly switching names to evade detection or hide their identity. The exact waiting period can vary — sometimes it is shorter, sometimes longer — depending on your account history and Facebook's current policies.

If you need to change your name before the 60 days are up, you cannot bypass this limit through settings. Your only option is to contact Facebook support and explain why you need an exception. Support rarely grants exceptions unless there are unusual circumstances, such as a legal name change or a safety concern.

Changing your name after a legal name change

If you have legally changed your name through a court order, you can change your Facebook name to match your new legal name at any time, even if you have already made a change recently. When you try to change your name, Facebook may ask you to upload a copy of your legal name change document — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — to verify the change is legitimate.

Upload a clear photo or scan of the document showing your old name and new name. Facebook reviews these documents within a few days. Once approved, you can change your name when ready without waiting for the 60-day period to pass. Keep a copy of your legal document handy in case Facebook asks for it again in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

Yes. Your old name counts as a new name change, so you will need to wait 60 days after your most recent change before switching back. If you changed your name less than 60 days ago, you cannot revert it yet. After 60 days, go to Settings > Personal Information > Name and enter your previous name.

Will my friends be notified when I change my name?

Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. However, your new name appears on their friend list and in their feed, so they will see it the next time they visit your profile or see your posts. Some friends may not notice the change for weeks or months.

What if someone else is using my real name on Facebook?

If another person is using your name and impersonating you, report their profile to Facebook. Click the three dots on their profile, select Report, and choose Pretending to be someone. Facebook investigates impersonation reports and may remove the account or force the person to change their name.

Can I use a nickname or stage name instead of my legal name?

Facebook allows nicknames and stage names as long as they follow the platform's naming rules — no numbers, symbols, or repeated characters that do not appear in real names. However, Facebook may ask you to provide your legal name if your account is flagged during a review. Using your legal name reduces the chance of your account being restricted.

How long does it take for my new name to show up everywhere on Facebook?

Your new name appears on your profile and in your posts when ready after you confirm the change. However, it may take a few minutes to update in search results, on other people's friend lists, and in older notifications. If you do not see your new name in some places after an hour, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in.