Change your name in Facebook's settings
Open Facebook on a computer or phone and go to the menu in the top right corner. On a computer, click the downward arrow. On a phone, tap the three horizontal lines. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings.
Look for Personal information in the left menu (on a computer) or scroll down to find it (on a phone). Click or tap Name. You will see your current name with fields to edit your first name, middle name, and last name separately.
Type your new name into the fields you want to change. Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name will appear. When you are satisfied, click or tap Review change at the bottom.
Facebook will ask you to confirm the change and may ask for your password for security. Enter your password and click Save changes. Your new name takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to show everywhere on your account.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your name through Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, then Name on any device.
- Facebook lets you change your first name, middle name, and last name separately, and shows you a preview before you confirm.
- You can change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to make multiple changes.
- Your new name appears on your profile, in comments, and in posts when ready after you save it.
- If Facebook blocks your name change, it may be because the name violates their policies or you changed it too recently.
Understand Facebook's name change rules
Facebook has a 60-day waiting period between name changes. If you just changed your name, you will not be able to change it again until 60 days have passed. This rule exists to prevent spam and impersonation.
Facebook also has rules about what names are allowed. Your name cannot include numbers, symbols, or repeated characters (like "Jooohn"). It cannot be all uppercase. It cannot include words that Facebook considers offensive or that look like a fake account name. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, Facebook will reject the change and explain why.
Your name change affects how people see you across Facebook. It updates on your profile, in your comments, in posts you are tagged in, and in messages. People who have you as a friend will see the new name in their friends list.
What happens if Facebook rejects your name change
If you see an error message when you try to save your new name, read it carefully. Facebook usually tells you exactly what the problem is — for example, "This name contains characters we don't allow" or "You can only change your name once every 60 days."
If the rejection is about the 60-day rule, you will need to wait. If it is about the name itself, try removing numbers, symbols, or extra letters. If you believe Facebook rejected your name unfairly — for example, if your actual legal name contains characters Facebook does not allow — you can report the problem. Go back to the Name section, and look for a link that says Report a problem or Get help. Explain your situation, and Facebook will review it.
Do not try to work around the rules by using a fake name or symbols. Facebook may temporarily lock your account or require you to change it back to a previous name.
Change your name on other parts of your profile
Your Facebook name is different from your username (the part that appears in your profile URL). If you want to change your username as well, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Username. You can change your username once every 60 days, just like your name.
You can also add a nickname or alternate name that appears on your profile. In the Personal information section, look for Nicknames or Other names. This is useful if you go by multiple names or want people to know a name you use in certain contexts. Unlike your main name, you can have multiple nicknames.
If you have a business page or creator account separate from your personal profile, that page has its own name settings. Go to the page, click Settings, then General, then Page name. Business pages do not have the 60-day waiting period, so you can change them more often.
Notify people about your name change
When you change your name, your friends will see it in their friends list and in notifications, but they might not notice right away. If the change is significant — for example, if you are changing from a nickname to your legal name — consider posting about it or messaging close friends so they know it is still you.
This is especially important if you use Facebook for work or professional contacts. A quick post like "I have changed my name on Facebook to [new name]" prevents confusion and makes sure people can still find you.
If you are changing your name for privacy or safety reasons, you do not have to tell anyone. Your privacy settings control who can see your profile and posts, and changing your name does not affect those settings.
Use your legal name or a name you actually go by
Facebook's policy requires you to use a name you actually go by in everyday life. This does not have to be your legal name — you can use a nickname, a middle name, or a name from a different culture or language. What matters is that it is a name people actually call you.
If you are changing your name because you have legally changed it — through marriage, divorce, or a court order — you can use your new legal name. You do not have to upload documents to prove it, though Facebook may ask for proof if they suspect the name violates their policies.
If you are changing your name for safety reasons, such as escaping harassment or domestic violence, Facebook has a separate process. Contact Facebook's support team and explain your situation. They may be able to help you change your name without the 60-day waiting period or other restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Facebook name on my phone?
Yes. Open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right, scroll to Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Personal information, then Name, and edit your name the same way you would on a computer.
What if someone else is using my name on Facebook?
Report the account to Facebook. Go to their profile, tap the three dots in the top right, and select Report. Choose It is pretending to be someone and follow the steps. Facebook will investigate and may remove the account if it is impersonating you.
Can I change my name back to what it was before?
Yes, but you will have to wait 60 days between changes. If you changed your name and want to change it back when ready, you cannot. You will need to wait until the 60-day period ends.
Does changing my name affect my Facebook friends or messages?
No. Your friends list stays the same, and your messages stay the same. People will just see your new name when they look at your profile or see you in conversations. Old messages will show your new name, not the old one.
Can I have two different names on Facebook?
You can have one main name and multiple nicknames or alternate names. Add nicknames in the Personal information section under Other names. These appear on your profile but are not your primary name.