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 click 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 click Review Change. Facebook will show you how your new name appears, 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 changed your name recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. This limit exists to prevent account takeovers and impersonation. If you need to change your name sooner due to a legal name change, you can contact Facebook support, though response times vary.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your name settings through the menu, then Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information.
  • Facebook allows one name change every 60 days, and the change shows up immediately across your profile and posts.
  • Your old name does not appear to other people after you change it, but Facebook keeps a record of past names for security purposes.
  • If you have a legal name change document, you can contact Facebook support to request an exception to the 60-day rule.

What name format Facebook accepts

Facebook requires that your name follow their Name Policy, which means it must be the name you go by in everyday life. The platform does not allow names that are entirely in numbers, symbols, or special characters. You can include spaces, hyphens, periods, and apostrophes — common in names like Mary-Jane, O'Brien, or Jean-Pierre.

Facebook will reject names that look like usernames, email addresses, or business names. If your name contains numbers or unusual punctuation, Facebook may ask you to confirm it is your real name. You can appeal a rejected name by providing a government ID or other official document that matches what you entered.

How your name change appears to others

When you change your name, it updates everywhere on your profile immediately. Your new name appears on your timeline, in comments you have made, in tags, and in search results. People who follow you will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts.

Your old name does not show to other users, but Facebook stores a record of all your past names for account security and fraud prevention. If someone reports your account or Facebook suspects unauthorized access, they can review your name history to verify your identity. You cannot delete this history yourself.

Changing your name after a legal name change

If you have legally changed your name through a court order, you can update Facebook to match your legal documents. Start with the standard name change process described above. If you hit the 60-day waiting period and need to change it sooner, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Help & Support > Contact Us.

When you contact Facebook support, explain that you have a legal name change and provide a photo or scan of your court order, marriage certificate, or other official document. Facebook does not may provide they will override the 60-day rule, but they are more likely to help if you have documentation. Response times from support can range from a few days to several weeks.

Reverting to a previous name

If you want to go back to a name you used before, you can change to any previous name without waiting the full 60 days — Facebook only restricts you from changing to a name you have not used in the past. This means if you changed from "Sarah" to "Sara" and now want "Sarah" back, you can do so immediately.

To see your name history, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Name. Facebook shows you all the names you have used on that account. Click on any previous name to revert to it without triggering the 60-day waiting period.

Troubleshooting a rejected name change

Facebook rejects name changes for a few common reasons: the name contains only numbers or symbols, it looks like a username or business name, or it violates their community standards. If your change is rejected, Facebook will tell you why. Read the message carefully — it usually points to the specific rule your name broke.

If you believe your name is legitimate and should be allowed, you can appeal by uploading a government ID, passport, or other official document that shows the name you entered. Upload a clear photo or scan through the appeal form Facebook provides. Keep in mind that Facebook reviews appeals manually, so it may take time. If your appeal is denied, you will need to choose a different name format that complies with their policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook name on mobile and desktop the same way?

The steps are nearly identical, but the menu locations differ slightly. On mobile, tap the three-line menu icon at the bottom right. On desktop, click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Both lead to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Name. The actual name change form works the same on both.

What happens to my old posts and comments when I change my name?

Your new name appears on all your old posts, comments, and messages. People viewing your timeline will see your current name attached to everything you have ever posted. Your old name does not show publicly, but Facebook keeps it in their records for security purposes.

Can I change my name more than once if I use a previous name?

Yes. If you revert to a name you have used before, it does not count against your 60-day limit. You can switch between previous names as often as you want. The 60-day rule only applies when you try to change to a name you have never used on that account.

What if Facebook says my name violates community standards?

This usually means your name contains offensive language, impersonates a public figure, or looks like a business name. Review Facebook's Name Policy to understand which rule applies. You can appeal with an ID, but if your name genuinely violates the policy, Facebook will likely deny the appeal. You will need to choose a different name.

Does changing my name affect my username or profile URL?

No. Your username and profile URL remain the same when you change your display name. If you want to change your username, that is a separate process in Settings under Username. Changing your display name only affects how your name appears on your profile and in posts — not the web address people use to find you.