Change your name in Facebook settings anytime

You can change the name that appears on your Facebook profile directly from your account settings. Facebook lets you update your name whenever you want, though the platform does have rules about what names it accepts and how often you can change them. The process takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

Your Facebook name is separate from your login email or password. Changing your name does not affect how you log in, and it does not change your username (the custom URL that appears in your profile link). Other people see your updated name when ready, and the change shows up in your activity history.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Facebook settings, select "Personal Information," and click "Name" to edit what appears on your profile.
  • Facebook accepts first and last names but may reject names with numbers, symbols, or unusual spacing that look like spam.
  • You can change your name as often as you want, though Facebook may temporarily block changes if you switch names very frequently in a short period.
  • Your name change appears when ready to everyone on Facebook, including in comments, posts, and your profile.
  • If Facebook rejects your name change, the platform will explain why and tell you when you can try again.

Step-by-step: updating your name on desktop

Start by opening Facebook in a web browser and logging into your account. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen (next to your profile picture). From the menu that appears, select "Settings and privacy," then click "Settings."

On the left side of the screen, you will see a menu. Click "Personal Information." Under the "Name" section, click the pencil icon or the word "Edit." A box will appear with your current first and last name. Delete the old name and type in your new one. Click "Review Change" to see how it will appear, then click "Save Changes."

Facebook will confirm that your name has been updated. The change takes effect when ready, and everyone on your friends list will see your new name right away.

Changing your name on the Facebook mobile app

Open the Facebook app on your phone 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 to find "Personal Information" and tap it. Tap "Name," then tap "Edit." Delete your current name and type your new one. Tap "Review Change" to preview how it will look, then tap "Save Changes." Your updated name will appear on your profile within seconds.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook requires names to use standard letters and spacing. The platform will reject names that contain numbers (like "John Smith 123"), special characters (like "John@Smith" or "John-Smith" with a hyphen in certain contexts), or excessive punctuation. Names that look like they are trying to advertise something or impersonate a business account may also be rejected.

Facebook does accept hyphens, apostrophes, and spaces within names if they are used in a standard way — for example, "Mary-Jane" or "O'Brien" are typically fine. If your name includes characters from non-English languages, Facebook usually accepts those as well. If your name change is rejected, Facebook will tell you specifically what the problem is and when you can try again.

How often you can change your name

Facebook does not have a strict limit on how many times you can change your name. However, if you change your name very frequently — for example, multiple times in a single day or several times per week — Facebook may temporarily prevent you from making another change. This is to prevent spam and misuse of the platform.

If you hit this limit, Facebook will tell you that you have changed your name too recently and will show you when you can change it again. The waiting period is usually a few days. If you need to change your name for a legitimate reason (such as a legal name change), you can contact Facebook's support team to explain the situation.

What happens to your old name after you change it

When you change your name, your old name disappears from your profile. People who knew you by your previous name will see the new name when they visit your profile or interact with you on Facebook. Your old posts and comments will show your new name, not the name you had when you posted them.

Facebook does not keep a public record of your previous names. However, if someone took a screenshot of your profile or a post you made under your old name, that screenshot will still show the old name. Your name change does not affect any of your posts, photos, or messages — only the name that appears next to them.

Changing your username versus your name

Your Facebook name and your username are two different things. Your name is what appears on your profile and in comments — the thing you just changed. Your username is the custom URL that appears in your profile link, like facebook.com/yourname. You can change your username separately if you want a different custom URL.

To change your username, go to Settings, click "Personal Information," and look for "Username." You can change your username once every 60 days. Unlike your name, you cannot change your username as frequently as you want, and Facebook may reject usernames that are already taken or that violate the platform's policies.

What to do if Facebook rejects your name change

If Facebook rejects your name change, read the message carefully — it will tell you why. Common reasons include numbers in the name, special characters, or a name that looks like spam. Try removing numbers or symbols and submit again.

If you believe your name is legitimate and Facebook is rejecting it incorrectly, you can contact Facebook's support team. Go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, and click "Help and Support." Select "Report a Problem" and explain that your name change was rejected. Facebook will review your case, though responses can take several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my name affect my Facebook login or password?

No. Your login email and password stay the same no matter what name you use on your profile. Changing your name only changes what other people see when they look at your profile or interact with you.

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

Yes. Facebook does not require you to use your legal name — you can use a nickname, stage name, or any other name as long as it follows Facebook's naming rules (no numbers or excessive symbols). Many musicians, artists, and public figures use stage names on Facebook.

If I change my name, will my friends be notified?

Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. However, they will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their news feed. Some people may notice the change if they see you comment on something shortly after you update your name.

How long does it take for my new name to show up everywhere on Facebook?

Your name change appears when ready on your profile and in new activity. However, it may take a few minutes to show up in all places across Facebook, such as in search results or in older comments. If you do not see your new name somewhere after an hour, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in.

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

Yes. You can change your name back to a previous name anytime, as long as you follow Facebook's naming rules. There is no penalty for changing your name back, and you do not need to wait any longer than you would to change it to something new.