You can change your last name on Facebook through your settings, and the change takes effect when ready
Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner, then select Settings and privacy followed by Settings. On the left side, click Personal information, then find the Name field. Click Edit next to your current name. Type your new last name in the appropriate field, then click Review change and Save changes. Your new name appears on your profile and in your posts when ready.
Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days. If you try to change it more frequently, the system will tell you when you can make your next change. There is no cost, and you do not need to provide documentation — Facebook does not verify that your new name is your legal name.
Your old name does not appear in your profile history unless someone specifically looks for it. However, people who knew you under your previous name may not when ready recognize your updated profile, so you might want to let close friends or family know about the change.
Key Takeaways
- Navigate to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information to find your Name field.
- Facebook allows one name change every 60 days, with no documentation required.
- Your new name takes effect when ready across your profile, posts, and comments.
- People searching for your old name will not find your profile, so consider notifying your contacts about the change.
- If you change your name back and forth repeatedly, Facebook may restrict your ability to change it further.
What happens to your old name after you change it
When you change your last name, your previous name does not disappear entirely. Facebook keeps a record of past names in your account history, but this information is private and only visible to you. Other people cannot see your old name unless they search for it in Facebook's search bar — and even then, your profile will not appear under your former name.
Your old name does not appear on your timeline, in your posts, or in comments you made before the change. Anyone viewing your profile sees only your current name, even when looking at older posts or photos. This means your profile appears consistent to visitors, but your account history remains intact on your end.
Changing your name on a mobile device
The process on a phone or tablet is nearly identical to the desktop version. 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 Settings. Tap Personal information and then Name. Tap Edit, change your last name, and tap Review change followed by Save changes.
Some older versions of the Facebook app may have slightly different menu layouts. If you cannot find Personal information under Settings, try updating your app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The update usually takes a few minutes and ensures you have access to the most current settings screens.
Why Facebook might prevent you from changing your name
If you see an error message when trying to change your name, the most common reason is that you have already changed it within the past 60 days. Facebook enforces this limit to prevent spam and account abuse. The error message will tell you the exact date when you can make your next change.
Another reason Facebook might block a name change is if you have changed your name multiple times in a short period — for example, changing it back and forth three times in a month. Facebook's system flags this as suspicious activity and may temporarily lock you out of name changes. If this happens, you can contact Facebook through the Help Center and explain the situation, though response times vary.
Occasionally, Facebook's system rejects names that contain numbers, symbols, or characters it does not recognize. If this occurs, try using only letters and spaces. Some special characters like hyphens or apostrophes are allowed, but the system may reject unusual combinations.
Changing your name for privacy or safety reasons
If you are changing your name because of safety concerns — such as escaping a harmful relationship or avoiding harassment — Facebook's standard name-change process works the same way. However, you should also consider adjusting your privacy settings to limit who can see your profile and contact you. Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Privacy to restrict who can message you, see your friends list, or find your profile in search results.
You can also block specific people from viewing your profile or contacting you. Click on a person's profile, tap the three dots in the top right, and select Block. Blocked people cannot see your profile, send you messages, or find you in search results. If you are in an unsafe situation, consider reaching out to a local domestic violence organization or law enforcement for additional support beyond what social media settings can provide.
Changing your name back to a previous version
If you change your last name and later want to revert to your old name, you can do so using the same process. Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, then Name. Click Edit and type your previous last name. Click Review change and Save changes. This counts as a name change for the 60-day limit, so you will not be able to change your name again for another 60 days.
There is no special process for reverting to a former name — Facebook treats it the same as any other name change. If you frequently change your name back and forth, Facebook may eventually restrict your ability to change it, so use this feature thoughtfully.
What to do if you need to change your legal name on Facebook
If you have legally changed your last name — through marriage, divorce, court order, or another legal process — you can update your Facebook name using the same steps described above. Facebook does not require you to provide a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You straightforward change the name in your settings, and it takes effect when ready.
However, if Facebook has restricted your ability to change your name due to repeated changes, and you need to update it for a legal reason, you can contact Facebook's Help Center. Explain that you have legally changed your name and ask for information. Response times vary, but Facebook generally prioritizes requests related to legal name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change just my first name without changing my last name?
Yes. When you click Edit next to your name, you see separate fields for first and last name. You can change either one independently. Update only the field you want to change and leave the other as is.
Will my friends be notified when I change my last name?
Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. However, if your name change is significant, your friends may notice it the next time they visit your profile. If you want people to know about the change, you can post about it or message them directly.
Can I use a fake last name on Facebook?
Facebook's terms of service require you to use the name you go by in everyday life, but the platform does not verify this. You can use any last name you want, and Facebook will not stop you. However, if you repeatedly change your name or use names that appear to violate Facebook's policies, your account may be restricted.
What if I forgot my old last name and want to see it?
You can view your name history by going to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, then Name. Click on the name field and look for a link or option that shows your previous names. Not all versions of Facebook display this clearly, so if you cannot find it, try updating your app or using a web browser instead of the mobile app.
Does changing my name on Facebook change it on Instagram or other Meta apps?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta apps have separate name settings. If you want to change your name on Instagram, you must do so through Instagram's settings independently. The change on one platform does not affect the others.