The quickest way to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on your computer or phone and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal information, then find Name and click Edit. Type your new name in the fields provided, then click Review change and Save changes. The new name appears on your profile right away.

On a phone, the steps are the same but the menu looks slightly different. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and privacy, tap Settings, then Personal information, then Name. Make your change and save it the same way.

Facebook stores a record of all your name changes. If you change your name again within 60 days, you may see a message saying you have to wait before changing it once more. This is a safety feature to prevent account takeovers.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Name on both computer and phone.
  • Your new name shows on your profile when ready after you save the change.
  • Facebook limits how often you can change your name; if you change it again within 60 days, you may have to wait before making another change.
  • Your old names stay in Facebook's records, and people who know you by a previous name can still search for you.
  • You can use your real name, a nickname, a maiden name, or a name you go by — Facebook does not require legal documentation.

What name format Facebook accepts

Facebook lets you use your first and last name, a single name, a nickname, or any combination you go by in real life. You do not need to provide a birth certificate or legal ID. The platform does ask that you use the name people actually know you by, not a business name, URL, or string of numbers and symbols.

If your name contains special characters — an accent mark, a hyphen, an apostrophe — Facebook usually accepts it. If the system rejects your name, try removing punctuation or spacing it differently. Some names with uncommon characters may trigger a review, but Facebook typically approves them within a few hours.

How often you can change your name

You can change your name as many times as you want, but Facebook enforces a waiting period between changes. If you change your name and then try to change it again within 60 days, you will see a message saying you have to wait. The exact waiting period can vary, but it is usually measured from your last change.

This limit exists to protect accounts from being hijacked. If someone gains access to your account, they cannot rapidly cycle through names to hide the account or confuse you. If you need to change your name urgently and are locked out by the waiting period, contact Facebook through the Help Center to explain your situation.

Where your old names go

When you change your name, Facebook keeps a record of every name you have used. People who search for one of your old names can still find your profile. This is intentional — it helps friends locate you even if you have changed your name since they last saw you.

You cannot delete old names from your profile history. If you are concerned about privacy, remember that only people who already know you or can see your profile can search for your old names. Your name history is not public unless you make your profile public.

Changing your name on other Facebook services

If you use Instagram or Messenger, those apps pull your name from your main Facebook account. When you change your Facebook name, it updates across all connected services automatically. You do not have to change your name separately on each app.

If you use Facebook for a business page or group, those have separate names from your personal profile. Changing your personal name does not affect your business page or group name. To change a business page name, go to the page, click Settings, then Edit page info, and update the name there.

What happens to your old name in messages and posts

When you change your name, all your old posts and messages show your new name. People cannot see what your name used to be by looking at your timeline or message history. However, people who knew you under your old name may be confused when they see posts from you under a different name.

If you change your name and want to let people know, you can post about it or message close friends. There is no automatic notification that goes out when you change your name, so people only learn about they notice the change themselves or you tell them.

Troubleshooting name change problems

If Facebook rejects your name, the most common reasons are special characters, numbers, or symbols that the system does not recognize. Try removing punctuation and spacing, or use a simpler version of your name. If your name contains an accent mark or character from another language, Facebook usually accepts it, but it may take a few hours to process.

If you are locked out by the 60-day waiting period and need to change your name urgently — for example, because of a safety concern — go to the Facebook Help Center and report the issue. Explain why you need to change your name sooner, and Facebook may override the waiting period. Response times vary, but Facebook typically reviews these requests within a few days.

If your name change does not save at all, clear your browser cache and try again. If you are on a phone, try closing the app completely and reopening it. Make sure you are using the latest version of Facebook or the Facebook app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

Yes, but you have to wait 60 days from your last name change. If you changed your name yesterday and want to change it back today, Facebook will not let you. You can change it back after the waiting period passes.

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

No. Facebook does not send notifications when you change your name. Your friends will only know if they see your profile or posts and notice the change themselves, or if you tell them directly.

Can I use a fake name on Facebook?

Facebook asks you to use a name you go by in real life, but the platform does not verify your identity with a government ID. You can use a nickname or name you are known by. If Facebook suspects your name is fake, it may ask you to confirm your identity, but this is uncommon unless someone reports your account.

Does changing my name affect my Facebook username or URL?

No. Your username and profile URL are separate from your display name. Changing your name does not change your username. If you want to change your username, you do that in a different part of Settings.

What if someone else is using my old name?

Once you change your name, no one else can use your old name on their profile. Facebook keeps your old names tied to your account. If someone tries to use a name you previously used, Facebook will not let them.