Change your last name in Facebook settings

To change your last name on Facebook, go to your profile, click the pencil icon next to your name at the top, and select "Edit Name" from the dropdown menu. A box will appear with fields for your first and last name. Type your new last name, then click "Review Change" to see how it will appear. Facebook will show you a preview. Click "Save Changes" when you're ready.

Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days. If you've changed it recently, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it again. The site doesn't require you to provide a reason or legal documentation — you can use any name you want, as long as it follows Facebook's name policies.

Your name change takes effect immediately. Everyone on your friends list will see your new name right away. If you've been tagged in photos or posts under your old name, those tags stay attached to your account but display your new name.

Key Takeaways

  • Access the name change tool through your profile by clicking the pencil icon next to your name and selecting "Edit Name."
  • Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days, with no legal documentation required.
  • Your new name appears immediately to all your friends and across your profile.
  • If you've changed your name multiple times in a short period, Facebook may ask you to wait or verify your identity before allowing another change.
  • Old tags and mentions under your previous name will still be connected to your account but will display your new name.

What happens if Facebook blocks your name change

Facebook has automated systems that flag names it thinks violate its policies. Common reasons for rejection include numbers, symbols, repeated letters, or words Facebook's filter considers offensive or fake. If your change is rejected, you'll see an error message explaining why.

If you believe your name was rejected incorrectly — for example, if your legal name contains numbers or special characters — you can appeal. Click "Learn More" on the rejection message and follow the instructions to submit an appeal. Facebook reviews appeals manually, though this can take several days.

If you've changed your name many times in a short period, Facebook may temporarily lock you out of making more changes or ask you to confirm your identity. This is a fraud prevention measure. You can verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions.

Changing your name on a mobile device

On the Facebook app for iPhone or Android, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then scroll down and tap "Settings & Privacy," then "Settings." Tap "Personal Information," then "Name." Edit your first and last name in the fields that appear, then tap "Review Change" and "Save Changes."

The process is identical to the desktop version — you still have the 60-day waiting period between changes, and the same name policies apply. Your change syncs across all devices within a few minutes.

Using a different name for work or a public page

If you want to use a different name professionally but keep your personal name on your main profile, create a separate Facebook Page instead of changing your profile name. Pages let you use any business name, pen name, or public identity without affecting your personal account.

To create a Page, go to facebook.com/pages/create on desktop or tap "Menu" then "Pages" on mobile. You can set the Page name to anything you want and don't need to wait 60 days between changes. Pages are searchable and can have followers separate from your friends list.

You can also use Facebook's "Username" feature (different from your display name) to create a custom URL like facebook.com/yourname. This doesn't change your actual name but gives you a cleaner link to share.

If you're changing your name after a legal name change

You don't need to provide Facebook with court documents or a legal name change certificate. Simply use the standard name change process described above and enter your new legal name. Facebook doesn't verify whether your name change is legal — it only checks whether the name follows its format policies.

If you've changed your legal name and want to update other accounts linked to Facebook — like Instagram, WhatsApp, or apps you've signed into with Facebook — you'll need to change those separately. Facebook doesn't automatically sync name changes across other platforms.

Reverting to a previous name

If you change your name and want to go back, you can do so using the same process — just enter your old name and save. You still have to wait 60 days between changes, so if you changed your name today, you can't change it again until 60 days from now, even if you're reverting to your original name.

If you need to change your name back urgently and the 60-day window hasn't passed, you can contact Facebook through the "Help" section of your settings and explain the situation. Facebook rarely makes exceptions, but it's worth documenting your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fake name or nickname on Facebook?

Facebook's policies say names should be the name you go by in everyday life, but the site doesn't verify this. You can use a nickname, stage name, or any name you want as long as it doesn't contain numbers, excessive symbols, or words the filter flags. If Facebook rejects it, you can appeal.

Will my old name show up in search results after I change it?

No. Once you change your name, your old name no longer appears in Facebook search or on your profile. People who knew you by your old name won't find you by searching for it, though your friends will still see your new name in their friend lists and message history.

Can I change my name more than once every 60 days?

Not through the standard process. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period. If you need to change it sooner, you can try contacting Facebook through your settings, but the site rarely makes exceptions. You'll have better luck waiting out the 60 days.

Does changing my Facebook name affect my username or custom URL?

No. Your username (the part of your Facebook URL) is separate from your display name. You can change your display name without changing your username, and vice versa. If you want to change your username, go to Settings, click "Username," and enter a new one.

What if someone else is using my name on Facebook?

Report the account to Facebook by visiting their profile, clicking the three dots at the top right, and selecting "Report." Choose "It's pretending to be someone" and follow the prompts. Facebook investigates impersonation reports, though response times vary. You can also change your own name to something distinct while the report is being reviewed.