Change your name in Facebook settings in under a minute

To change your surname on Facebook, open the app or website, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Find Personal Information on the left menu, click Name, type your new surname in the last name field, and click Change Name. Facebook will ask you to confirm the change, and it takes effect when ready.

The process is the same whether you use a phone, tablet, or computer. Your new name appears on your profile, in comments, and in messages right away. People who already know you will see the change in their notifications.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your surname through Settings > Personal Information > Name in under one minute.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need multiple changes.
  • Your new surname appears everywhere on your profile when ready, including past posts and comments.
  • If you recently changed your name and Facebook is blocking the change, wait 60 days from your last name change before trying again.
  • Facebook will reject names that look like spam, numbers, or symbols — use only letters and standard punctuation.

Where to find the name change option

On Facebook's website, click the downward arrow in the top right corner next to your profile picture. A menu drops down. Select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings in the submenu. On the left side of the screen, you will see a menu with several options. Click Personal Information.

On the Facebook app for iPhone or Android, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll to Personal Information and tap it. Both routes lead to the same screen where you can edit your name.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Facebook limits you to one name change every 60 days. This rule exists to prevent account takeovers and fraud. If you try to change your name and see a message saying you cannot change it yet, you have already changed it within the last 60 days and must wait until the window closes.

The 60-day timer starts from the date of your last name change, not from today. If you changed your name on January 15, you can change it again on March 16. Facebook does not give you an exact countdown, so if you are unsure when you last changed it, try the change anyway — the system will tell you how many days remain if you are still blocked.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook rejects names that contain numbers, excessive punctuation, or characters that look like spam. Your name should use only letters, hyphens, apostrophes, and spaces. Names like "John123" or "Mary@Smith" will not go through. If Facebook rejects your name, remove any numbers or unusual symbols and try again.

Facebook also blocks names that are clearly not real names — for example, a string of random letters or a phrase like "Buy Stuff Here." The system is automated, so sometimes legitimate names get flagged. If your real name is rejected and you believe it is a mistake, you can report the issue to Facebook through the same settings screen, and a person will review it.

How your new surname appears across Facebook

Once you change your surname, it updates everywhere on Facebook at once. Your profile header shows the new name, all your past posts and comments display the new name, and any messages you sent before the change will show your new name when people read them. There is no way to keep your old name on old posts — the change is retroactive across your entire account.

Your friends will see a notification that you changed your name. The notification appears in their feed or in the "Friends" section of your profile, depending on their settings. If you want to explain the change to people who know you, you can post about it or message close friends directly.

If Facebook blocks your change and you cannot wait 60 days

If you are locked out of changing your name because you hit the 60-day limit, you have no way to bypass it. Facebook enforces this rule strictly, and there is no "rush" option or appeal process. Your only choice is to wait until the 60 days have passed since your last change.

If you believe your account was hacked and someone else changed your name, or if you changed it by mistake and need to change it back when ready, you can report the issue to Facebook through Help & Support in your settings. A support person can review your account, but they typically will not override the 60-day rule unless there is clear evidence of unauthorized access.

Changing your name on Facebook versus legal name changes

Changing your name on Facebook does not change your legal name anywhere else. Your legal name remains the same on government documents, your driver's license, your bank accounts, and your tax records. Facebook is just one account — it does not affect your identity outside of the platform.

If you have legally changed your name through a court order or marriage, you will want to update Facebook to match, but you do not have to. Some people use a nickname or middle name on Facebook and keep their legal name on official documents. The choice is yours, and Facebook will not ask for proof of a legal name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my first name and surname separately?

Yes. In the Name settings, you will see separate fields for first name and last name. You can change just your surname, just your first name, or both at the same time. Each change counts as one name change against your 60-day limit, so if you change your first name today and your surname tomorrow, you will be locked out for 60 days from the first change.

What happens to my old name after I change it?

Your old name disappears from your profile and all your posts. People cannot search for you by your old name anymore. However, Facebook keeps a record of the change internally for security purposes. If someone hacked your account and changed your name without permission, Facebook can see that in their logs.

Will my friends be notified when I change my surname?

Yes. Your friends will see a notification that you changed your name. The notification usually appears in their feed or in the "Friends" section of your profile. You cannot turn off this notification, but it is not intrusive — it appears the same way as other profile updates.

Can I use a fake name or nickname on Facebook?

Facebook's rules say you should use the name you go by in everyday life, but enforcement is inconsistent. If your nickname is what people actually call you, it usually passes. If it looks like spam or is clearly not a real name, Facebook may reject it or disable your account if you report it yourself as a fake name. Use your judgment — if it is a name someone might actually have, it will likely work.

What if I change my mind and want my old name back?

You can change your name back anytime, but you will still be subject to the 60-day waiting period. If you changed your name to "Jane Smith" today and want to go back to "Jane Jones" tomorrow, you cannot — you must wait 60 days from today. Plan your name changes carefully if you think you might want to revert.