Change your last name in Facebook settings

To change your last name on Facebook, go to your profile, click the pencil icon next to your name at the top, and select "Edit name" from the menu. A box will open with your current first and last name. Delete your old last name and type in your new one, then click "Review change" at the bottom. Facebook will ask you to confirm the change and may require you to wait 60 days before changing it again.

The name you enter must follow Facebook's naming rules: it should be the name you go by in everyday life, not a business name, URL, or string of numbers. Facebook checks names against these rules automatically, so if your new last name is rejected, the site will tell you why and ask you to try a different version.

Once you click "Save changes," your new last name appears on your profile right away. Your friends will see the update in their news feeds, and the change is permanent until you decide to change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your Facebook profile, click the pencil icon next to your name, and select "Edit name" to begin the process.
  • Type your new last name in the box that appears, then click "Review change" and confirm the update.
  • Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes, so plan ahead if you need to change it multiple times.
  • Your new name must be something you use in real life—Facebook rejects business names, numbers, and special characters.
  • The change shows up when ready on your profile and in your friends' news feeds once you save it.

What happens if Facebook rejects your name

If you try to save a name and Facebook says it violates the naming policy, the site will show you a message explaining which part doesn't work. Common reasons for rejection include using only numbers, adding a URL or website, including symbols that aren't part of a real name, or using all capital letters in a way that looks like a username rather than a name.

If your actual last name contains characters Facebook doesn't recognize—like an accent mark, apostrophe, or hyphen—try entering it exactly as it appears on your legal documents. Facebook's system usually accepts these characters when they are part of a genuine name. If it still doesn't work, you can contact Facebook's support team through the Help Center and explain that the name is your real legal name.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Facebook limits how often you can change your name to once every 60 days. This rule applies whether you're changing your first name, last name, or both. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, Facebook will show you a message telling you when you'll be able to change it again.

The 60-day timer starts from the moment you save a name change, not from when you click "Edit name." If you open the edit box, make a change, and then cancel before saving, the timer does not start. Plan your name changes carefully if you need to update multiple parts of your name, because you'll have to space them out across two months.

Changing your name on mobile vs. desktop

The steps are nearly identical on Facebook's mobile app and on a computer. Open your profile by tapping or clicking your profile picture, then look for the pencil icon next to your name. On mobile, the icon may be smaller or positioned slightly differently depending on your phone's screen size, but the "Edit name" option will be in the same menu.

If you're using the Facebook app on iPhone or Android, make sure you're on the latest version. Older versions of the app sometimes have bugs that prevent the name-editing feature from working properly. You can also change your name through Facebook's mobile website (m.facebook.com) if you prefer, and the process is identical to the desktop version.

Privacy and visibility of your name change

When you change your last name, everyone on Facebook can see the update. Your friends will see a notification in their news feeds that says you changed your name, along with what the old and new names were. There is no way to hide this notification or make the name change private.

If you want to limit who sees your profile in general, you can adjust your privacy settings separately—but those settings don't control whether people see that you changed your name. The change notification itself always appears in the news feeds of people who are your friends at the time you make the change.

Changing your name back to a previous name

If you change your last name and then want to go back to your old one, you can do so using the same "Edit name" process. However, you still have to wait 60 days from your most recent name change before you can change it again. This means if you changed your name on January 1st and want to change it back on January 15th, Facebook will not let you—you'll have to wait until March 1st.

The 60-day rule applies to every change, regardless of whether you're changing to a completely new name or reverting to a name you used before. Keep this in mind if you're experimenting with a name change or if you're unsure whether you want to keep the new name long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my last name without changing my first name?

Yes. When you click "Edit name," you can change just the last name field and leave your first name exactly as it is. Click "Review change" and save—only the last name will update on your profile.

What if I have a hyphenated or two-part last name?

Facebook accepts hyphenated names and names with spaces, as long as they follow the naming policy. Enter your last name exactly as it appears on your legal documents, including the hyphen or space. If Facebook rejects it, contact support and explain that it's your real legal name.

Does changing my name on Facebook change it anywhere else?

No. Changing your name on Facebook only affects your Facebook profile. It does not change your name on Instagram, WhatsApp, or any other app or website. You would need to change your name separately on each platform if you want them all to match.

Can I use a nickname or stage name as my last name?

Facebook's policy requires you to use the name you go by in everyday life. If a nickname or stage name is genuinely what people call you day-to-day, you may be able to use it, but Facebook reserves the right to reject names that appear to be usernames, handles, or made-up names rather than real names people use in conversation.

What if I forgot when I last changed my name?

Go to your profile and try to change your name. If the 60-day period hasn't passed, Facebook will show you a message with the exact date you'll be able to change it again. This is the only way to check how much time is left without contacting support.