The quickest way to change your Facebook name
Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal information. Next to your name, click Edit. Type your new name in the fields provided, then click Review change. Facebook will show you how your new name appears. Click Save changes when you're ready.
The entire process takes about two minutes. Facebook stores your change when ready, and your new name appears on your profile and in comments right away. You can change your name as often as you want, but Facebook limits you to one change every 60 days if you're changing it back to a previous name.
If you're using Facebook on your phone, the steps are the same: tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and privacy, tap Settings, then Personal information, and tap Edit next to your name.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Facebook name by going to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, and clicking Edit next to your name.
- Facebook allows you to change your name as often as you want, but you cannot change it back to a previous name more than once every 60 days.
- Your new name appears on your profile, in your comments, and in messages when ready after you save the change.
- Facebook has rules about what characters and formats are allowed in names — numbers and special characters may be rejected.
What name format Facebook accepts
Facebook requires that your name contain only letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes. Spaces are allowed between parts of your name. Names like "Mary-Jane Smith" or "O'Brien" work fine. Names with numbers like "John123" are technically allowed, but Facebook may flag them as unusual and ask you to confirm the change.
Facebook rejects names that look like they're trying to impersonate someone famous, contain excessive symbols, or appear to be a business name rather than a person's name. If your change is rejected, Facebook will tell you which part doesn't meet their rules. You can then edit it and try again.
If your name includes characters from other languages — Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, or others — Facebook accepts those as long as they're real letters in that language. Emoji and decorative symbols do not work.
Changing your name without notifying your friends
When you change your name on Facebook, everyone on your friends list can see the change. Facebook does not send a notification saying "John changed his name to Jonathan," but the change is visible on your profile and in your activity. If someone visits your profile or looks at your comments, they will see your new name.
There is no setting to make a name change private. If you want to change your name without drawing attention, your best option is to change it during a time when fewer people are likely to notice — late at night or on a weekday when activity is lower. You can also message close friends ahead of time to let them know you're making the change.
Fixing a name you entered incorrectly
If you typed your name wrong or changed it and now want to fix it, go back to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, and click Edit next to your name again. Type the correct version and click Review change. Facebook will show you the new version before you save it, so you can catch any typos before they go live.
If you just changed your name and realized the mistake within a few minutes, you can change it back when ready. If it's been longer than 60 days since your last change, Facebook will let you change it back to any previous name without waiting. If it's been less than 60 days, you can still change to a completely new name, but you cannot go back to the name you had before without waiting.
Changing your name on a business or creator page
If you manage a Facebook Page for a business, organization, or creator account, the process is different from changing your personal profile name. Go to your Page, click Settings in the top right, then click Edit page info on the left side. Find the Page name field and click the pencil icon to edit it. Type the new name and click Save.
Business Pages have fewer restrictions than personal profiles. You can use numbers, symbols, and formatting that Facebook would reject on a personal name. However, you still cannot use names that impersonate other businesses or violate Facebook's policies. Changes to a Page name take effect when ready and are visible to everyone who follows or visits the Page.
What happens to your old name after you change it
Your old name disappears from your profile and from new comments you make. However, old comments you posted under your previous name will still show that old name next to them. Facebook does not retroactively update the names on past comments — only your current name and future activity show your new name.
People who knew your old name can still search for you by that name and find your profile. Facebook's search includes previous names, so changing your name does not make you harder to find. If you want to be less searchable, you can adjust your privacy settings to limit who can find you through search, but that is a separate setting from your name.
Troubleshooting when your name change is rejected
If Facebook rejects your name change and tells you it does not meet their standards, the most common reasons are: the name contains symbols Facebook does not allow, the name looks like a business name rather than a person's name, or the name appears to impersonate someone. Read Facebook's message carefully — it usually tells you which rule your name broke.
If you believe your name is legitimate and Facebook is wrong, you can request a review. Click the link in the rejection message that says something like "Learn more" or "Request review." Facebook will ask you to explain why your name should be allowed. This process can take several days. In the meantime, you can try a slightly different version of your name — for example, adding or removing a middle initial, or spelling out a nickname differently.
If you are changing your name because you got married, divorced, or changed your legal name, you do not need to provide proof to Facebook. straightforward enter your new name and save it. Facebook trusts that people change their names for legitimate reasons and does not require legal documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Facebook name back to what it was before?
Yes, but only if it has been at least 60 days since you last changed it. If less than 60 days have passed, you can change to a completely new name, but you cannot revert to your previous name until the 60-day window closes. After 60 days, you can change back to any name you have used on your account.
Will my friends get a notification when I change my name?
Facebook does not send a specific notification about name changes. However, your friends can see the change if they visit your profile or look at your recent activity. The change is visible but not announced.
What if someone else is using my real name on Facebook?
You can report the account to Facebook by visiting their profile, clicking the three dots in the top right, and selecting Report. Choose the reason that best fits — usually "Pretending to be someone" or "Fake account." Facebook will review the report, but they do not may provide they will remove the account. You can also try messaging the person directly and asking them to change their name.
Can I use special characters or emoji in my Facebook name?
No. Facebook only allows letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes. Emoji, decorative symbols, and most special characters will cause your name change to be rejected. If you want to add flair to your name, you can use your bio or "About" section instead.
Does changing my name affect my Facebook username or URL?
No. Your Facebook username (the part that appears in your profile URL, like facebook.com/yourname) is separate from your display name. Changing your display name does not change your username. If you want to change your username, that is a different setting in your Personal information section.