Change Your Display Name in Gmail Settings

Your Gmail display name is what appears next to your email address when you send a message. To change it, open Gmail and click the gear icon in the top right corner, then select "See all settings." Click the "Accounts and Import" tab at the top of the page.

In the "Send mail as" section, find the email address you want to change the name for and click "edit info" next to it. A box will pop up with a field labeled "Name." Delete the current name and type the new one you want to use. Click "Save changes" at the bottom of the box. The new name will appear on all emails you send from that point forward.

This change takes effect when ready, but it only affects how your name appears to people receiving your emails. Your actual Gmail address (the part before @gmail.com) stays the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is separate from your Gmail address and can be changed anytime without affecting your account login or email address.
  • The display name change appears only on new emails you send after making the change; old emails keep the old name.
  • You can set up multiple "Send mail as" addresses in Gmail, each with its own display name.
  • If you have a Google Account name (used for other Google services), changing your Gmail display name does not change that account name.

Where to Find the Display Name Field

The "Send mail as" section sits in the "Accounts and Import" tab of Gmail settings. If you have multiple email addresses set up in your Gmail account, you will see them all listed here. Each one can have its own display name.

Look for the email address that matches the one you want to change. Next to it, you will see either "edit info" or "make default." Click "edit info" to open the name field. If you do not see "edit info," the address may be a forwarding address or an alias, which have different rules for name changes.

What Happens After You Save the Change

Once you click "Save changes," Gmail updates your display name in the settings. The next email you send will show the new name. Anyone who receives that email will see the new name in their inbox and in the message itself.

Emails you sent before the change will still show your old name to the people who received them. Gmail does not go back and update the name on old messages. If you want people to know about the name change, you may want to send them a quick message explaining it.

Changing Your Google Account Name (Different From Display Name)

Your Google Account name is different from your Gmail display name. The account name appears in Google services like Google Drive, Google Photos, and YouTube. To change it, go to myaccount.google.com and click "Personal info" on the left side.

Click on your name at the top of the page. You will see fields for your first and last name. Edit them as needed and click "Save." This change affects all Google services tied to your account, not just Gmail. It may take a few hours to show up everywhere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is confusing your display name with your Gmail address. You cannot change your Gmail address itself (the part before @gmail.com) through settings. If you need a completely different email address, you would need to create a new Gmail account.

Another common error is thinking the display name change will affect your login. It will not. You still log in with your full Gmail address, no matter what display name you set. Also, be careful not to accidentally change the wrong email address if you have multiple "Send mail as" addresses set up. Double-check that you are editing the correct one before saving.

Setting Up Multiple Display Names

Gmail lets you send mail from multiple addresses, each with its own display name. This is useful if you want a professional name for work emails and a casual name for personal ones. To add another address, go to "Accounts and Import" settings and click "Add another email address you own" in the "Send mail as" section.

Follow the steps to verify the new address, then set a display name for it. From then on, you can choose which address and name to send from when you compose a new email. The dropdown menu at the bottom of the compose window shows all your "Send mail as" addresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my display name affect my Gmail password or login?

No. Your login information stays the same. You still sign in with your full Gmail address and password, regardless of what display name you set. The display name only changes how your name appears to people receiving your emails.

Can I change my Gmail address itself?

You cannot change the address part before @gmail.com through Gmail settings. If you need a different Gmail address, you would need to create a new account. However, you can add other email addresses to your account and send from them using the "Send mail as" feature.

How long does it take for the display name change to show up?

The change takes effect when ready in your settings. The new name will appear on all emails you send after saving the change. People who receive your emails will see the new name right away.

What if I have a Google Workspace account instead of a personal Gmail account?

Google Workspace accounts (used by businesses and organizations) have different settings. Contact your workspace administrator to change your display name, as they may have restrictions on name changes or require approval.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?

Gmail allows most letters, numbers, and common punctuation in display names. Emojis may work depending on your device and the recipient's email client, but they are not may provide to display correctly for everyone. Stick with standard characters for the most reliable results.