Facebook lets you change the name on your profile once every 60 days through your settings

To change your name on Facebook, go to the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner of the app, or the downward arrow in the top right on desktop. Select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Scroll to Personal Information and tap or click Name. Type your new name in the fields provided and tap or click Review Change. Facebook will show you how your new name will appear, then ask you to confirm. Once you submit, the change takes effect immediately.

Facebook enforces 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. The platform does this to prevent misuse and impersonation.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings > Personal Information > Name on both mobile and desktop.
  • Facebook allows one name change every 60 days, and you must wait the full period before changing again.
  • Your new name appears to your friends and the public immediately after you confirm the change.
  • Facebook has rules about what names are allowed — you cannot use numbers, symbols, or multiple spaces in ways that look like you are trying to hide your identity.
  • If Facebook rejects your name change, the reason usually appears on screen, and you can try again with a different name format.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook requires names to follow certain rules to prevent fake accounts and impersonation. Your name must be the name you go by in everyday life — it should not contain numbers, special characters, or repeated symbols. Names like "John123" or "J***ohn" will be rejected. Spaces and hyphens are allowed if they are part of how you actually write your name, such as "Mary-Jane" or "Jean Pierre".

If you are changing your name to reflect a legal name change, cultural name, or name you use professionally, Facebook usually accepts it as long as it follows the format rules. If your name is rejected, Facebook will tell you why on the screen. Common reasons include too many numbers, symbols that look decorative, or a format that appears designed to hide your real identity.

Changing your name after a legal name change

If you have legally changed your name through a court order or government process, you can update Facebook to match. You do not need to upload documents or prove the change to Facebook — you can simply enter your new legal name in the name field and submit it. Facebook's system is designed to accept legal names without requiring proof.

If Facebook rejects your legal name for any reason, you can try entering it in a slightly different format. For example, if "O'Brien" is rejected, try "Obrien" or "O Brien". If the rejection continues, you can contact Facebook's support through the Help Center, though response times vary and Facebook does not may provide a resolution.

How your name change appears to others

When you change your name, it appears immediately on your profile and in your friends' feeds. Your friends will see a notification that you changed your name, but they will not see your old name unless they click on your profile. The notification appears in their activity feed for a short time and then disappears.

Your new name also updates everywhere on Facebook — in comments you have made, posts you have shared, and your profile. Old posts and comments do not show your previous name; they show your current name. This means if you search for your old name, you will not find your profile.

What to do if you cannot change your name

If you see an error message when you try to change your name, the most common reasons are: you changed your name less than 60 days ago, your new name does not follow Facebook's format rules, or Facebook's system flagged it as potentially fake. Read the error message carefully — it usually tells you which rule your name broke.

If the error says you must wait, count 60 days from your last name change. If the error is about the name format, try removing numbers, symbols, or extra spaces. If you believe Facebook is rejecting a legitimate name, you can report the issue through the Help Center by going to Settings > Help & Support > Report a Problem. Explain that your name is real and follows Facebook's rules. Facebook reviews these reports, though it may take several days to respond.

Changing your name on Facebook versus other platforms

Facebook's 60-day rule is stricter than most other social media platforms. Instagram, which is owned by Meta (the same company as Facebook), also has a 60-day waiting period. Twitter and TikTok allow name changes without waiting periods. LinkedIn requires your name to match your legal identity and does not allow frequent changes.

If you manage a business page or creator account on Facebook, the rules are the same — you can change the page name once every 60 days through the page settings. Personal profiles and pages follow identical timing rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Facebook enforces a strict 60-day waiting period between name changes. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, you will see an error message telling you when you can change it again. The only exception is if Facebook's system made an error — in that case, you can contact support.

Will my old name still show up if someone searches for me?

No. When you change your name, your old name is removed from search results. If someone searches for your previous name, your profile will not appear. They can only find you by searching your new name or by looking through your friends list.

What happens to my name if I deactivate and reactivate my account?

Your name stays the same. Deactivating your account does not reset the 60-day name change timer, and it does not change your name back to what it was before. When you reactivate, your current name remains in place.

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

Yes. Facebook allows you to use a nickname, stage name, or any name you go by in everyday life. It does not have to be your legal name. The rule is that it must be a name you actually use, not a fake name designed to hide your identity or impersonate someone else.

What if Facebook says my name violates community standards?

This usually means your name contains offensive language or appears designed to impersonate a public figure or brand. If you believe your name is legitimate, explain the context in a report through the Help Center. For example, if your last name contains a word that Facebook's filter flagged, explain that it is your real name. Facebook reviews these cases, though it may take time.