Change Your Name in Facebook Settings

To change your name on Facebook, open the app or website, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, and select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, click Personal Information, then find the Name field. Click Edit next to your current name, type your new name in the boxes provided, and click Review Change. Facebook will show you how your new name will appear before you confirm it.

The name you enter should match what appears on your government ID if you plan to use Facebook for business purposes or verification later. Facebook allows you to include a first name, middle name, and last name. You can also add a maiden name or alternate name in a separate field if you want people to find you by multiple names.

After you submit your change, it takes effect when ready. Your friends will see the new name right away in their feeds and on your profile. If you have a public figure page or business account linked to your personal profile, you may need to update the name there separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information to find the Name field where you can edit your current name.
  • Facebook shows you a preview of how your new name will appear before you confirm the change.
  • You can add a middle name or alternate name in separate fields so people can find you by different versions of your name.
  • The name change takes effect when ready and is visible to all your friends and anyone who views your profile.
  • You can change your name again after 60 days if Facebook enforces a waiting period on your account.

What Name Format Facebook Accepts

Facebook has rules about what characters and formats it will accept in a name. You can use letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes. Names like "Mary-Jane," "O'Brien," or "Jean-Pierre" work fine. Facebook rejects names that are mostly numbers, all capital letters, or contain symbols like @ or &.

If you are changing your name to reflect a cultural or religious practice, Facebook generally accepts names that follow your local naming conventions. If your name change is rejected, Facebook will tell you which characters caused the problem. You can then remove those characters and try again.

Waiting Period Between Name Changes

Facebook may enforce a 60-day waiting period between name changes on your account. This means if you changed your name recently, you might not be able to change it again until 60 days have passed. The waiting period is designed to prevent misuse of the name change feature.

If you try to change your name and see a message saying you must wait, check the date of your last name change. You can attempt the change again after the 60 days have passed. If you believe the waiting period is an error, you can contact Facebook through the Help Center, though response times vary.

Changing Your Name on a Business or Public Figure Page

If you manage a Facebook Page for a business or public figure, the name change process is different from your personal profile. Go to your Page, click Settings in the left menu, then click Edit Page Info. Find the Page Name field and click Edit. Type the new name and click Save Changes.

Page names have different rules than personal names. You can use more symbols and formatting on a Page. However, if your Page represents a real business or person, Facebook may ask you to verify that you have the right to use that name. Keep documentation like business licenses or official ID handy in case Facebook requests proof.

What Happens to Your Old Name

When you change your name on Facebook, your old name disappears from your profile when ready. Your friends will see only the new name going forward. However, any posts, comments, or messages you made under your old name will still show your old name attached to them—Facebook does not retroactively update the names on old content.

If you search for your old name, you will not find your profile anymore. People who knew you by your old name may have trouble finding you unless they search for your new name or you tell them directly. Consider sending a message to close friends letting them know you have changed your name so they can find you if needed.

Troubleshooting Name Change Problems

If Facebook rejects your name change, the most common reason is that the name contains characters Facebook does not allow. Check for symbols like @, #, !, or &. Remove any extra spaces at the beginning or end of your name. If your name is mostly numbers or all capital letters, Facebook will also reject it—add at least one letter or use mixed case.

If you see an error message that says your name violates Facebook's Community Standards, Facebook believes the name may be fake or intended to impersonate someone. In this case, you can appeal the decision through the Help Center. Provide a clear explanation of why you are using that name, such as a legal name change or cultural naming practice. Facebook reviews appeals and may overturn the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook name to something completely different from my real name?

Facebook requires you to use the name you go by in everyday life. You cannot use a fake name, a brand name, or a name designed to impersonate someone else. If Facebook detects a name that does not match this policy, it may reject the change or disable your account. Use your actual first and last name or a name people genuinely know you by.

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, they will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed. If you want to let people know about the change, you can post about it or send them a message directly.

Can I change my name back to my old name right away?

If Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period on your account, you cannot change your name again until that period ends. If you changed your name and when ready regret it, you will have to wait before you can switch back. Plan your name change carefully to avoid this situation.

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

If another person has taken your name on Facebook, you can report their account as impersonation. Go to their profile, click the three dots in the top right, select Report, and choose It's pretending to be someone. Provide details about why you believe the account is impersonating you. Facebook reviews the report and may remove the account or ask the person to change their name.

Does changing my name on Facebook change it on Instagram or other Meta apps?

Your Facebook name and Instagram name are separate. Changing your name on Facebook does not automatically change it on Instagram. If you want the same name across both platforms, you will need to change your Instagram name separately through Instagram's settings. The process is similar but happens in a different app.