The quickest way to change your Facebook profile name

To change your name on Facebook, open the app or website, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the down arrow on desktop), select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Scroll to Personal Information and click Name. Type your new name in the fields provided and click Review Change. Facebook will show you how your new name appears, and you can confirm or go back to edit it. Once you confirm, the change takes effect when ready.

On desktop, you can also reach this faster by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner, selecting Settings & Privacy, then Settings, and following the same path to Personal Information and Name.

Key Takeaways

  • Your name change appears on your profile right away, but Facebook limits how often you can change it — usually once every 60 days.
  • You can use your real name, a nickname, a maiden name, or a combination, as long as it follows Facebook's name standards (no numbers, symbols, or repeated characters).
  • Your old name does not disappear from Facebook's records — people who knew you by your previous name can still search for you, and your past posts still show your old name.
  • If you change your name too frequently, Facebook may lock the name field and require you to wait before changing it again.

What names Facebook allows and what it blocks

Facebook has specific rules about what counts as a valid name. You can use letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. You cannot use numbers, symbols, emojis, repeated characters (like "Jooohn"), or all capital letters. Names like "John Smith," "Mary-Jane," and "O'Brien" are fine. Names like "John123," "J@hn," or "JOHN SMITH" will be rejected.

If you try to enter a name that breaks these rules, Facebook will show an error message and ask you to fix it before you can save. The system checks this automatically, so you will know right away if your choice does not work.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Facebook limits name changes to once every 60 days. This means if you changed your name today, you cannot change it again for 60 days. The timer starts from the date you confirmed your most recent change, not from when you started the process.

If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, Facebook will tell you the exact date you can change it again. There is no way around this limit — you have to wait. If you made a typo or realized you want a different name, you will have to keep the current one until the 60 days are up.

How your old name stays searchable even after you change it

When you change your name, your profile when ready shows the new one. However, Facebook keeps a record of your previous names in the background. People who knew you by your old name can still find you by searching for it, even though your profile displays your new name.

This is useful if you change your name and worry that old friends will not recognize you — they can still search for your previous name and land on your profile. Your old name also appears on posts and comments you made before the change, so the history of your activity stays intact with the name you used at the time.

What happens to your posts and comments when you change your name

Your past posts and comments keep the name you had when you wrote them. If you posted something as "Sarah Johnson" and then changed your name to "Sarah Chen," that old post will still show "Sarah Johnson" as the author. Only new posts and comments you make after the change will show your new name.

This means your profile history is not rewritten — it reflects the names you actually used over time. People looking at your timeline will see the progression of your name changes through your posts.

Changing your name back to a previous one

If you want to change your name back to one you used before, you still have to wait 60 days from your last change. Facebook treats a return to an old name the same as any other name change — it counts against your 60-day limit.

For example, if you changed from "John Smith" to "John Jones" today, you cannot change back to "John Smith" until 60 days pass. Plan your name changes carefully if you think you might want to revert, because you will be stuck with the new name for two months.

When Facebook locks your name field and what to do

If you change your name repeatedly in a short period, Facebook may lock the name field and prevent you from making any changes for a while. This is a safety measure to prevent account abuse. When this happens, you will see a message saying you cannot change your name right now and will need to wait.

The lock is temporary and usually lifts after a few weeks. If you believe the lock is a mistake or you have a legitimate reason to change your name urgently (such as a legal name change), you can contact Facebook through the Help Center and explain your situation. Facebook may review your account, but there is no may provide they will lift the restriction early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name to something with numbers or symbols?

No. Facebook blocks numbers, symbols, emojis, and repeated characters in names. You can only use letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. If you try to save a name with numbers or symbols, Facebook will show an error and ask you to fix it.

What if I legally changed my name and need to update it right away?

You still have to follow the 60-day rule. However, if you have a legal document showing a name change (like a marriage certificate or court order), you can contact Facebook's Help Center and explain the situation. Facebook may review your case, though they do not always grant exceptions.

Will my friends see a notification when I change my name?

No. Your friends will not receive a notification about your name change. They will only see the new name if they visit your profile or see you in search results. Some may not notice the change at all.

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

Yes. Facebook allows nicknames, stage names, maiden names, and other variations as long as they follow the name rules (letters, spaces, hyphens, apostrophes only). You do not have to use your legal name.

If I change my name, can people still find my old posts?

Yes. Your old posts keep the name you had when you wrote them, and people can still search for your previous name and find your profile. Your profile history is not erased or hidden when you change your name.