Change Your Name in Three Steps

To change your name on LinkedIn, open the site on a computer or phone, go to your profile, click the pencil icon next to your name, type your new name, and save. The whole process takes about two minutes. LinkedIn will show your updated name to your network within a few hours.

Your name is one of the first things people see on your profile, so changing it correctly matters. Whether you're updating after a legal name change, correcting a spelling error, or adjusting how you present yourself professionally, the steps are the same.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your name directly from your profile page using the pencil edit icon next to your current name.
  • LinkedIn allows you to use your first name and last name separately, or add a middle name or suffix if you want.
  • Your network will see the new name within a few hours, and LinkedIn will not send a notification about the change.
  • If you change your name frequently, LinkedIn may temporarily restrict edits to prevent spam or misuse.
  • You can revert to a previous name at any time by following the same editing steps.

How to Edit Your Name on Desktop

Start by going to LinkedIn.com and signing in to your account. Click your profile photo in the top right corner, then select "View profile" from the dropdown menu. This takes you to your public profile page.

Look for your name at the top of the profile. You will see a small pencil icon next to it. Click that pencil to open the edit box. Delete your current name and type your new one in the "First name" and "Last name" fields. You can also add a middle name or suffix (like Jr. or III) if you want. When you are done, click "Save" at the bottom of the box. Your name updates when ready on your profile.

How to Edit Your Name on Mobile

Open the LinkedIn app on your phone and tap your profile photo at the bottom of the screen. This opens your profile page. Tap the pencil icon next to your name at the top.

The edit box will open. Clear your current name and type your new one. You can edit your first name, last name, middle name, or suffix separately. Tap "Save" when you are finished. The change takes effect right away on your phone and will sync to the desktop version within a few hours.

What Happens After You Change Your Name

Your new name appears on your profile when ready. Your connections will see it the next time they visit your profile or when LinkedIn refreshes their view, usually within a few hours. LinkedIn does not send a notification to your network about the name change, so people will not receive a message saying you updated your information.

Your URL (the web address of your profile) does not change when you update your name. If you have shared your profile link with others, it will still work and direct people to your updated profile. Any messages, recommendations, or endorsements you received under your old name stay on your profile and are still credited to you.

Restrictions on How Often You Can Change Your Name

LinkedIn allows you to change your name as often as you need to. However, if you change it very frequently—more than once every few weeks—LinkedIn may temporarily lock you out of making further edits. This is a safety measure to prevent spam and fake accounts.

If you hit this limit, wait a few weeks before trying again. LinkedIn will not tell you exactly how long the restriction lasts, but it is usually short. If you have a legitimate reason to change your name often (such as correcting a legal name change that was entered wrong the first time), you can contact LinkedIn Support to explain the situation.

Changing Your Name After a Legal Name Change

If you changed your legal name through marriage, divorce, or a court order, update your LinkedIn name to match your legal documents. This is especially important if you use LinkedIn for job searching or professional networking, because employers and recruiters may check that your name matches your resume and background check.

You do not need to provide LinkedIn with proof of a legal name change—just edit your profile the same way you would for any other update. However, keep your legal documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) in case a future employer asks to verify your identity. If you are concerned about privacy, you can use a middle name or initial instead of your full first name, as long as it matches what you use professionally.

How to Undo a Name Change

If you change your name by mistake or want to go back to a previous name, the process is the same as making any other edit. Click the pencil icon next to your name, type the old name back in, and click "Save." LinkedIn does not keep a history of your previous names, so you will need to remember what it was.

If you cannot remember your exact previous name, look at old messages, recommendations, or posts from your network—they may still reference your old name and help you remember how it was spelled or formatted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my connections get notified when I change my name?

No. LinkedIn does not send a notification to your network when you update your name. Your connections will only see the new name if they visit your profile or if LinkedIn refreshes their view of it. You can post an update or send a message if you want to tell people about a significant name change.

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

Yes. LinkedIn does not require you to use your legal name. You can use a nickname, stage name, or professional name as long as it follows LinkedIn's policy against fake or misleading names. If you use a name that does not match your legal documents, be prepared to explain it to employers or recruiters who may ask.

What if I want to change my name but keep my old one visible?

LinkedIn does not have a feature to display both names at once. You can add your previous name to your "Headline" section (the line under your name) or in your "About" section if you want people to know you went by another name professionally. For example, you could write "Formerly known as [old name]" in your headline.

Does changing my name affect my job title or work history?

No. Your job titles, companies, and work history stay the same when you change your name. All your past experience remains on your profile and is still credited to you under your new name.

Can I change my name if my account is restricted or under review?

If your account is restricted or LinkedIn is reviewing it for policy violations, you may not be able to edit your profile until the review is complete. Contact LinkedIn Support to find out the status of your account and when you will be able to make changes again.