The quickest way to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on any device and go to the menu in the top right corner (the three horizontal lines on mobile, or the downward arrow on desktop). Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal information. Find the line that says Name and click Edit. Type your new first and last name into the fields, then click Review change at the bottom. Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name appears across the platform. Click Save changes to finish.

The entire process takes under two minutes. Your new name appears when ready on your profile and in comments, posts, and messages. Facebook does not send notifications to your friends when you change your name — they will straightforward see the new one the next time they visit your profile or see your activity.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Name, then click Edit and Save changes.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need multiple changes.
  • Your new name takes effect when ready and shows up everywhere on your account, including old posts and comments.
  • Facebook has rules about what names are allowed — you cannot use numbers, symbols, or multiple spaces, and the name must be what you go by in everyday life.
  • If Facebook rejects your name change, you can appeal the decision or try again with a different format.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook requires that your name follow certain rules. Your name must contain only letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes — no numbers, no emoji, no symbols like @ or &. You cannot use all capital letters, and you cannot have multiple spaces in a row. Facebook also requires that the name you use be one you actually go by in everyday life, not a nickname, business name, or made-up phrase.

If you try to enter a name that breaks these rules, Facebook will reject it and show you an error message explaining why. Common rejections happen when people try to add titles (like "Dr." or "Jr."), use all caps, or include numbers. If your name genuinely contains a number or symbol — for example, if your last name is "O'Brien" or "Mary-Jane" — Facebook usually accepts it because these are real name formats.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Facebook limits you to one name change every 60 days. If you just changed your name, you will not be able to change it again until 60 days have passed from the date of your last change. This rule applies whether your previous change was approved or rejected.

If you need to change your name again before 60 days are up, Facebook will show you a message telling you when you will be able to make the next change. The only way around this limit is to wait — there is no way to request an exception or speed up the process.

What happens to your old name and posts

When you change your name, Facebook does not delete or hide your old posts, comments, or messages. Everything you wrote under your previous name stays exactly where it is, but now shows your new name instead. If someone looks at a post you made three years ago, they will see your current name attached to it, not the name you had when you posted it.

Your old name does not appear anywhere on your profile or in your activity history. Friends who search for your old name will not find you — they will only find you if they search for your current name. If you want people to know about a name change, you can post about it on your timeline or message close friends directly.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The steps are the same whether you use Facebook on a phone, tablet, or computer, but the menu locations look slightly different. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) in the bottom right corner of the screen. On desktop, click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Both lead you to Settings and privacy.

Some people find it easier to make the change on a computer because the Settings menu is larger and easier to read. If you are having trouble finding the Personal information section on your phone, try switching to a desktop browser — the layout is more spacious and the buttons are bigger.

What to do if Facebook rejects your name change

If Facebook rejects your name change, read the error message carefully — it will tell you which rule your name broke. The most common reasons are numbers in the name, multiple spaces, all capital letters, or a name that does not appear to be a real name someone would use in daily life.

Try changing the format slightly. If you used "JOHN SMITH" in all caps, try "John Smith" instead. If you included a number like "John Smith 3rd", try "John Smith III" or just "John Smith" without the number. If Facebook still rejects it, you can appeal the decision by clicking the Appeal button that appears with the rejection message. Explain in the text box why the name is legitimate — for example, if your name genuinely contains a number or symbol, tell Facebook that. Facebook reviews appeals within a few days and usually approves them if your explanation is reasonable.

Changing your name back to a previous one

If you changed your name and now want to go back to your old one, you can do that — but you still have to wait 60 days from your last change. You follow the exact same steps: go to Settings > Personal information > Name > Edit, then type in the name you want to use and save the change.

Facebook treats a name change back to a previous name the same way it treats any other name change. The 60-day waiting period still applies, and the name must still follow Facebook's rules. If you changed your name three times in the past year, each change counts separately toward the 60-day limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook name without waiting 60 days?

No. Facebook enforces the 60-day waiting period strictly, and there is no way to request an exception or bypass it. If you just changed your name, you will have to wait until the 60 days are up before you can change it again. The timer starts from the date of your last change, whether it was approved or rejected.

Will my friends get notified when I change my name?

No, Facebook does not send notifications to your friends when you change your name. They will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see your activity in their feed. If you want to tell people about the change, you can post about it or send messages yourself.

What if my real name has numbers or symbols in it?

If your name genuinely contains a number or symbol — like "Mary-Jane" or "O'Brien" — Facebook usually accepts it because these are real name formats. If Facebook rejects it anyway, click the Appeal button and explain that the name is legitimate. Facebook reviews appeals and typically approves them for real names.

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

Facebook requires that your name be one you actually go by in everyday life. A stage name, nickname, or made-up name will likely be rejected. If you want to use a nickname, it should be something people actually call you in real life, not just online.

Does changing my name affect my Facebook login or password?

No. Your login email and password stay the same no matter what name you use on your profile. Changing your name does not affect how you sign into Facebook or any of your account security settings.