Change your name in Facebook settings

To change your surname on Facebook, open the app or website, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, click Personal information, then Name. Type your new surname in the last name field, click Review change, and confirm. Your new name appears on your profile within minutes.

Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days. If you changed it recently and want to change it again, you will need to wait until the 60-day window has passed. The system counts from the date of your last change, not from a calendar month.

On mobile, the path is slightly different: tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and privacy, tap Settings, tap Personal information, then Name. The rest of the process is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your surname through Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Name on both desktop and mobile.
  • Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes, counted from your last change date.
  • Your new name becomes visible to your friends and the public within minutes of confirmation.
  • If Facebook rejects your name change, it is usually because the name contains numbers, symbols, or repeated characters that the system flags as suspicious.
  • You can see a history of your recent name changes in the same Personal information section.

What Facebook considers a valid name

Facebook has rules about what characters and formats it will accept. Your name can contain letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. Numbers, emojis, symbols like @ or &, and repeated characters (such as "Jooohn") will cause the system to reject your change.

The platform also flags names that look like they are trying to impersonate someone famous or that contain words Facebook's filter identifies as spam or abuse. If your change is rejected, the error message will tell you why. Common reasons include using numbers, using all capital letters, or including words the system considers suspicious.

If you have a legitimate name that Facebook is blocking—for example, a hyphenated surname or one with an apostrophe—you can appeal the rejection. Click the link in the error message to explain your situation, and Facebook's team will review it.

How your name change appears to others

When you change your surname, everyone on your friends list and anyone who can see your profile will see the new name when ready. Your old name does not appear next to it unless you have set your profile to show name history, which you can control in the same Personal information section.

If you change your name frequently, your friends may see multiple updates in their activity feed. Facebook does not hide name changes from the feed, so people who follow your activity will notice. If you want to change your name without drawing attention, do it during a time when fewer people are likely to be scrolling.

Changing your name if you do not have access to your account

If you cannot log into your Facebook account, you cannot change your name through settings. You will need to regain access first. Go to facebook.com and click Forgot password? on the login screen. Facebook will ask you to identify yourself using your email address or phone number, then send you a link to reset your password.

Once you have reset your password and logged back in, follow the standard name-change steps above. If you no longer have access to the email or phone number tied to your account, you can use Facebook's account recovery tool, which asks you to verify your identity through other means, such as a photo ID or answers to security questions you set up previously.

Changing your name after marriage, divorce, or legal name change

If you have legally changed your name through a court order, you can update Facebook to match your legal documents. The process is the same as any other name change: go to Settings > Personal information > Name and enter your new surname. You do not need to upload your legal paperwork unless Facebook's system flags your change as suspicious and asks you to verify it.

If Facebook rejects your legal name change, you can appeal by providing a copy of your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Click the link in the rejection message and upload your document. Facebook's review team typically responds within a few days.

Keep in mind that changing your name on Facebook does not change it anywhere else—not on your bank account, driver's license, or other services. You will need to update those separately through each organization's own process.

Reverting to a previous name

If you change your surname and then want to go back to your old one, you can do so after the 60-day waiting period has passed. Facebook treats a reversion the same as any other name change, so you will need to wait 60 days from your most recent change before you can switch back.

If you changed your name by mistake and want to revert when ready, you cannot bypass the 60-day rule through Facebook's standard settings. However, if the change was made fraudulently or without your permission, you can report it to Facebook's support team and request an exception. Go to the Help Center, search for "report a hacked account," and follow the steps to contact Facebook directly.

Troubleshooting name change errors

If you see an error message when trying to change your surname, the most common causes are: the name contains numbers or symbols, you have already changed your name within the last 60 days, or Facebook's system flagged the name as potentially fake or spam. Read the error message carefully—it will tell you which rule your name violates.

If you believe your name is legitimate and Facebook is blocking it unfairly, click the appeal link in the error message. You can also contact Facebook's support team through the Help Center by searching "change your name" and clicking the option to get help with a specific problem. Response times vary, but Facebook usually reviews appeals within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name more than once every 60 days?

No. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes. The timer starts from the date of your last change, not from the first of the month. If you need to change your name again before 60 days have passed, you will see a message telling you when you can make the next change.

Will my friends get a notification when I change my surname?

Your friends will not receive a direct notification, but the name change may appear in their activity feed if they follow your profile. The visibility depends on your privacy settings and their feed preferences. If you want to avoid drawing attention, you can change your name during off-peak hours.

What if Facebook says my real name is not valid?

Facebook's system sometimes flags legitimate names as suspicious, especially if they contain numbers, apostrophes, or hyphens. Click the appeal link in the error message and explain that it is your real name. You can upload a government ID or other legal document to verify. Facebook's team will review and usually respond within a few days.

Can I have a different name on Facebook than my legal name?

Yes. Facebook does not require your profile name to match your legal name. You can use a nickname, stage name, or any other name that follows Facebook's format rules (no numbers, symbols, or repeated characters). However, if you use a name that looks fake or is flagged by the system, Facebook may ask you to verify it with a government ID.

Does changing my name on Facebook change it anywhere else?

No. Changing your name on Facebook only affects your Facebook profile. Your name on your bank account, email, driver's license, and other services remains unchanged. You will need to update those separately through each organization's own process.