Change Your Display Name in Tumblr Settings

Your display name on Tumblr is the name that appears on your blog and next to your posts and reblogs. To change it, log into your account, click the account icon in the top right corner, and select Settings. On the Settings page, look for the Blog section on the left sidebar and click it. You will see a field labeled Blog Title — this is your display name. Type your new name into that field and scroll down to click Save.

The change takes effect when ready across your entire blog. Other users will see your new display name on any posts or reblogs you make from that point forward. If you have multiple blogs under the same account, each blog has its own separate display name, so you can change them individually.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is changed through Settings > Blog > Blog Title, and the change appears when ready across your blog.
  • Your Tumblr username (the part of your URL) cannot be changed, but your display name can be anything you want.
  • If you have multiple blogs, each one has its own display name that you set separately.
  • Changing your display name does not affect your followers, messages, or any content you have already posted.
  • You can change your display name as often as you want with no restrictions or waiting period.

Understand the Difference Between Username and Display Name

Tumblr has two separate name fields that do different things. Your username is the permanent address of your blog — it appears in your blog URL (like tumblr.com/yourname) and cannot be changed. Your display name is what shows up on your blog header and next to your posts, and it can be changed whenever you want.

Many people use their username and display name the same way, but you do not have to. You could have a username like "user12345" and a display name like "Sarah's Art Blog." The display name is purely for appearance; the username is your permanent blog address.

What Happens When You Change Your Display Name

When you change your display name, the new name appears on all your posts, reblogs, and comments going forward. Old posts you made before the change will still show your old display name in the post itself, because Tumblr does not retroactively update the text of published posts. However, your blog header, sidebar, and profile will all show your new display name when ready.

Your followers do not need to do anything. They will still follow your blog, and you will still appear in their dashboard. Changing your display name does not send them a notification or require them to re-follow you.

Change Your Display Name on Mobile

If you use the Tumblr mobile app, the process is slightly different. Open the app, tap the account icon at the bottom of the screen, and tap Settings. Scroll down to find Blog Settings and tap it. Look for the Blog Title field, type your new name, and tap Save at the top of the screen.

The mobile app may take a few seconds longer to save the change than the desktop version does, but the result is the same. Your new display name will appear across your blog once the save is complete.

Troubleshoot If Your Change Does Not Save

If you typed a new display name but it did not save, first check that you actually clicked the Save button — it is straightforward to type a new name and forget to save. If you did click Save and the name still did not change, try logging out and logging back in. Sometimes Tumblr needs you to refresh your session to show the updated information.

If the problem continues, clear your browser cache and try again. On desktop, you can also try a different browser to see if the issue is specific to the one you are using. If none of these steps work, Tumblr's Help Center has a contact form where you can report the problem.

Choose a Display Name That Works for Your Blog

Your display name is the first thing people see when they visit your blog, so choose something that reflects what your blog is about or who you are. If your blog is about photography, you might use "Jane's Photography" or "Urban Landscapes." If it is a personal blog, you could use your real name or a nickname you like.

Keep in mind that your display name is public and visible to anyone who visits your blog, even people who do not follow you. Avoid using personal information like your full address or phone number. You can change your display name whenever you want, so do not worry too much about making the perfect choice right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Tumblr username?

No, your username is permanent and cannot be changed. If you want a different username, you would need to create a new Tumblr account. Your display name, however, can be changed as many times as you want.

Will my followers see my old display name on my old posts?

Yes. Tumblr does not update the text of posts you have already published, so old posts will still show the display name you had when you posted them. Your blog header and new posts will show your current display name.

How long does it take for my new display name to show up?

The change is usually when ready on your blog and in your profile. Other users may see a slight delay of a few seconds to a minute before the new name appears on their screens, depending on how Tumblr's servers update.

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

Yes, Tumblr allows spaces, punctuation, and special characters in your display name. You can use almost anything except extremely long strings of characters that might break the blog layout.

What if someone else is already using the display name I want?

Display names do not have to be unique on Tumblr — multiple people can have the same display name. You can use any display name you want, even if someone else is already using it.