You can change the name that appears when you send emails without creating a new Gmail account
Your Gmail display name is what recipients see in the "From" line when you send them an email. It is separate from your Gmail address (the part before @gmail.com), which you cannot change. To update your display name, you go to your Google Account settings, find the "Personal info" section, and edit the "Name" field. The change takes effect when ready for new emails you send, though recipients may still see the old name on emails already in their inbox.
This is different from changing your Gmail address itself. Your actual email address stays the same — only the friendly name that appears alongside it changes. If you have already shared your email address with people, they can still reach you at that same address after you change your display name.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name and your Gmail address are two separate things; you can change the name but not the address.
- The display name change happens in Google Account settings under "Personal info," not inside Gmail itself.
- The new name appears on emails you send from that moment forward, but old emails in recipients' inboxes will still show the old name.
- If you use Gmail for work or school, your organization may restrict whether you can change your display name.
How to change your display name in Google Account settings
Open a web browser and go to myaccount.google.com. Sign in with your Gmail address and password if you are not already signed in. On the left side of the page, click "Personal info". You will see a section labeled "Name" with your current display name shown.
Click on the name field to edit it. Type your new name exactly as you want it to appear in the "From" line of your emails. You can use your full name, a nickname, a business name, or any combination of text. Click "Save" when you are done. Google will confirm the change, and your new display name is now active for all future emails.
What happens to emails you have already sent
Emails you sent before changing your display name will still show your old name in recipients' inboxes. Gmail does not retroactively update the sender name on old messages. Only emails you send after making the change will display your new name.
If you are worried about confusion, you can send a quick message to important contacts letting them know you have updated your name. This is especially useful if you changed from a casual nickname to a professional name, or vice versa.
Changing your display name on mobile devices
You can change your display name from a phone or tablet, but you must use the web version of Google Account settings, not the Gmail app. Open a web browser on your phone, go to myaccount.google.com, and follow the same steps: tap "Personal info," tap the name field, enter your new name, and tap "Save."
The Gmail app itself does not have a display name setting. If you try to look for it in the app's settings, you will not find it. You must use the full Google Account website, even on mobile.
When your organization controls your display name
If you use Gmail through your workplace, school, or organization, your administrator may have locked your display name so you cannot change it. This is common in business and educational settings where the organization wants all employees or students to use their legal names or a standard naming format.
If you try to edit your name and the field is grayed out or shows a message saying it is managed by your organization, you will need to contact your IT department or administrator to request a change. They can either unlock the setting for you or make the change themselves.
Using different display names for different Gmail accounts
If you have multiple Gmail accounts, each one can have its own display name. When you switch between accounts in Gmail, the display name changes automatically to match whichever account you are currently using. You change each account's name separately by going to that account's Google Account settings.
This is useful if you have one Gmail account for personal use and another for business, or if you manage accounts for different purposes. Each display name is independent, so you can use your full name on one account and a nickname on another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Gmail address itself, not just my display name?
No. Your Gmail address (the part before @gmail.com) cannot be changed. You can only change the display name that appears next to it. If you need a different email address, you would have to create a new Gmail account.
Will changing my display name affect my password or security?
No. Your password, two-factor authentication, and all security settings stay exactly the same. Changing your display name is purely cosmetic and does not touch any security features of your account.
How long does it take for the new display name to show up?
The change is when ready. As soon as you click "Save," your new display name is active. The next email you send will show the new name in the "From" line.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my display name?
You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks. Gmail does not allow all special characters or emojis in the display name field. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, Google will show an error message and ask you to remove it.
What if I forgot what my current display name is?
Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Personal info," and look at the "Name" field. That is your current display name. You can also send yourself a test email to see what name appears in the "From" line.