The fastest way to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on any browser or the mobile app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right on mobile or top right on desktop, then scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy. Choose Settings, then tap Personal Information. Select Name and type your new name in the fields provided. Facebook splits the name into first and last name boxes — fill both, then tap Review Change and confirm. The change takes effect when ready.

On desktop, the path is the same: click the downward arrow in the top right corner, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Name. Type your new name and click Review Change. You do not need to verify your identity or wait for approval — Facebook processes name changes on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings > Personal Information > Name on any device, and the change appears when ready.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need multiple changes.
  • Your new name appears to everyone on your profile, in comments, and in posts, but old posts and messages still show the name you used when you wrote them.
  • If Facebook blocks your name change and says it violates community standards, you can request a review, but the decision usually stands if the name contains symbols, numbers, or text that looks like spam.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name does not disappear from Facebook's records. Posts and comments you made under your previous name still display that old name next to them — Facebook does not retroactively update the author name on past content. Only new posts and comments going forward will show your new name. This means someone scrolling through your timeline will see a mix of old and new names depending on when you posted.

Messages you sent to other people also keep the name you had when you sent them. If you messaged someone last month under the name "Alex" and changed to "Alexandra" today, that old message thread will still show "Alex" as the sender. The recipient cannot see that you changed your name unless they look at your profile directly.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Facebook enforces a 60-day cooldown between name changes. If you change your name today, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This rule applies whether you are changing to a completely different name or just fixing a typo. The timer starts from the moment you confirm the change, not from when you first tried to make it.

If you attempt to change your name before the 60 days are up, Facebook will show you a message saying you cannot change your name right now and will tell you the exact date you can change it again. There is no way to bypass this waiting period — not even Facebook support can override it for you.

Names Facebook will reject or block

Facebook has automated filters that block certain types of names. The system rejects names that contain numbers (like "Sarah2024"), special characters (like "Sarah_Okafor" or "Sarah-Okafor" in some cases), or text that looks like spam or advertising. Names with all capital letters, excessive punctuation, or repeated characters also tend to trigger the filter.

If Facebook blocks your name change, it will tell you the change violates community standards and offer a button to Request Review. Clicking this button sends your name to a human reviewer, but Facebook rarely overturns these decisions unless you can prove the name is legitimate — for example, if your legal name actually contains numbers or symbols. Most rejections stand because the filter is designed to catch fake accounts and spam profiles, and Facebook prioritizes that over individual exceptions.

Changing your display name versus your profile name

Facebook has two separate name fields: your profile name (the legal name you registered with) and your display name (what appears on your profile). When you go to Settings > Personal Information > Name, you are changing your profile name, which is what shows on comments, posts, and messages. This is the name most people see.

You cannot set a separate display name the way you could on older versions of Facebook. The name you enter in Settings is the name that appears everywhere. If you want people to see you as "Sarah O." but your legal name is "Sarah Okafor," you would need to change your profile name to "Sarah O." — but this counts toward your 60-day limit and will show as your official name across the platform.

What to do if Facebook says your name violates community standards

When Facebook blocks a name change, read the exact reason it gives. If it says the name contains characters or symbols that are not allowed, try removing numbers, underscores, hyphens, or special characters and submit again. If the name is genuinely your legal name and contains these characters, click Request Review and explain in the text box that this is your actual name.

Facebook's review team will look at your account history, profile photo, and other details to decide whether the name is legitimate. The review usually takes a few days. If they deny the review, you can request another review after 30 days, but most denials are final. In that case, you would need to use a version of your name that passes the filter — for example, using initials or a shortened version.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The process is identical on mobile and desktop, but the menu locations differ slightly. On mobile, tap the three lines at the bottom right (or top right on some phones), scroll to Settings & Privacy, then Settings. On desktop, click the downward arrow at the top right of the page. Both routes lead to the same Personal Information section where you change your name. The change syncs across all devices when ready — if you change your name on mobile, it updates on desktop when ready without logging out.

Some older versions of the Facebook app may have slightly different menu layouts, but the Settings & Privacy option is always present. If you cannot find it, update your app from the App Store or Google Play Store to the latest version.

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 change. If you changed your name today and want to change it back tomorrow, you cannot — the 60-day timer applies to any name change, including reverting to a previous name. After 60 days, you can change it back by following the same Settings > Personal Information > Name path.

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

No, Facebook does not send notifications about name changes. Your friends will only see your new name if they visit your profile or see you in a new post or comment. Old posts and messages will still show your previous name, so they may not notice the change right away.

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

Yes, Facebook allows nicknames and stage names as long as they do not contain numbers, symbols, or text that looks like spam. If your stage name is "Alex Storm," that works. If it is "Alex_Storm" or "AlexStorm2024," Facebook will likely reject it. You do not have to use your legal name, but the name you choose must pass Facebook's filter.

What if I changed my name by mistake and want to change it again when ready?

You cannot change your name again until 60 days have passed. There is no exception for mistakes. If you made a typo, you have to wait the full 60 days before you can correct it. Plan your name change carefully to avoid this situation.

Does changing my name on Facebook change my username or URL?

No. Your Facebook username (the part of your profile URL) is separate from your name. Changing your name does not change your username. If you want to change your username, you go to Settings > Personal Information > Username, which is a different field. You can change your username once every 60 days as well, but it is independent of your name change.