You can change your Facebook name directly in your settings, and it takes about two minutes

Facebook lets you change the name on your profile whenever you want, as long as you follow their naming rules. You do this through your account settings on either the Facebook website or the mobile app. The change takes effect when ready, though Facebook tracks your name history and may ask you to wait 60 days before changing it again if you've recently made a change.

The process is the same whether you use a computer or phone. You'll go to your settings, find the personal information section, edit your name field, and save. Facebook will ask you to confirm the change by entering your password. That's the entire process — no verification needed, no waiting period for the first change.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your Facebook settings, select "Personal Information," and click "Edit" next to your name to make the change.
  • Facebook requires you to use your authentic name — the one you go by in everyday life — not a business name, nickname, or symbol-heavy variation.
  • You can change your name as often as you want, but Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between changes if you've recently made one.
  • Your old names remain visible in your activity log and to people who search for your previous names, so the change doesn't erase your history.
  • If Facebook rejects your name change, it's usually because the name violates their authenticity rules; you can appeal the decision or try a different variation.

Step-by-step: changing your name on a computer

Start by clicking the downward arrow in the top right corner of your Facebook page. This opens a menu. Select "Settings and privacy," then click "Settings." On the left side of the screen, you'll see a menu — click "Personal Information."

In the Personal Information section, you'll see your current name listed. Click the word "Edit" next to it. A box will appear with fields for your first name and last name. Clear the existing text and type your new name. You can include a middle name if you want, but Facebook only requires a first and last name. When you're done typing, click "Review Change."

Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name will appear. If it looks right, click "Save Changes." You'll be asked to enter your Facebook password to confirm. Type it in and click "Confirm." Your name changes when ready.

Step-by-step: changing your name on the Facebook app

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy," then tap "Settings." Scroll down until you see "Personal Information" and tap it.

Tap "Name" to open the name field. Delete your current name and type your new one. Tap "Review Change" to see how it will look. If it's correct, tap "Save Changes." Enter your password when prompted and tap "Confirm." The change takes effect right away.

What names Facebook will and won't accept

Facebook requires you to use your authentic name — the name you actually go by in real life. This means your legal name, a nickname you're commonly known by, or a name you've legally changed to. Facebook does not accept business names, brand names, all numbers, excessive symbols, or names that look like they're trying to impersonate someone else.

Names with accents, hyphens, and apostrophes are fine. Names with numbers are usually rejected unless the number is genuinely part of your name (like "John Smith III"). Symbols like hearts, stars, or emojis will cause Facebook to reject the change. If your name includes a special character that's part of your actual name — like an accent mark in a Spanish or French name — Facebook will accept it.

If Facebook rejects your name change, you'll see a message explaining why. Common reasons are that the name doesn't look authentic, contains too many symbols, or appears to violate their community standards. You can try submitting a different version of your name, or you can appeal the decision by clicking "Request Review" and explaining why the name is authentic.

The 60-day waiting period and name change history

After you change your name, Facebook requires you to wait 60 days before changing it again. This rule applies only if you've recently made a change — your first name change has no waiting period. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, Facebook will tell you when you'll be able to change it next.

Every name you've used on Facebook is stored in your activity log, visible only to you. People who search for your old names may still find your profile, so changing your name doesn't hide your history. If you've been tagged in photos or posts under an old name, those tags remain attached to you even after you change your name.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your previous names don't disappear from Facebook — they stay in your activity log as a record of what you've called yourself. Friends who knew you by your old name can still search for that name and find your profile, though your profile will display your current name when they visit it.

Any messages, posts, or comments you made under your old name will still show your old name in those specific places. For example, if you commented on a friend's post as "Sarah Johnson" and then changed your name to "Sarah Chen," that comment will still show "Sarah Johnson" as the author. Your profile itself will show your new name, but the historical record of what you posted under your old name remains.

If Facebook locks you out of changing your name

If you see a message that you can't change your name yet, it's because you've already changed it within the last 60 days. Wait until the 60-day period ends, then try again. Facebook will tell you the exact date you'll be able to make another change.

If your name change was rejected and you believe it should have been accepted, click "Request Review" on the rejection message. Explain briefly why the name is authentic — for example, "This is my legal name" or "This is the name I go by every day." Facebook reviews these appeals and may overturn the rejection. The review usually takes a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook name to something completely different from my real name?

No. Facebook requires you to use your authentic name — the one you actually go by in real life. You can use a nickname, a legal name change, or a variation of your real name, but not a made-up name or brand name. If you try, Facebook will reject the change.

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

No. Your name change doesn't trigger a notification to your friends. They'll see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed, but they won't receive an alert that you've changed it.

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

Yes, but you'll have to wait 60 days after your most recent change. Once that period is up, you can change your name to anything you want, including a previous name you've used.

What if I have a hyphenated last name or a name with special characters?

Hyphens, apostrophes, and accents are allowed in Facebook names. If your authentic name includes these characters, Facebook will accept them. Numbers are usually rejected unless they're genuinely part of your name, like "John Smith III."

Does changing my Facebook name affect my username or profile URL?

No. Your username and profile URL are separate from your display name. Changing your name doesn't change your username or the web address of your profile. You can change your username separately through your settings if you want.