Whether you got married, divorced or legally changed your name, you can reflect the change in your name on Facebook easily by updating it. Not just that, you can change your name on Facebook even if you just want to do it for fun with your online persona, or you just want to be known by your nickname.
You can change the name easily, but you need to follow the guidelines for name change on Facebook. In this article, we talk about how to change your name using the Facebook website on a PC or laptop or smartphone. This guide is for new users and seasoned users alike, as we explain it using a step-by-step guide. Read on.
Guidelines to Change Facebook Profile Name
There are certain guidelines, known as Name Standards you have to follow when changing your name on Facebook. Facebook will only accept name changes for profiles if these guidelines are met:
- Symbols, numbers, unusual capitalisation, repeating characters or punctuation are not allowed.
- Characters from multiple languages aren’t allowed.
- Titles of any kind (e.g. Dr., Father, etc).
- Words or phrases instead of names aren’t allowed.
- Offensive or suggestive words of any kind are not allowed.
While there isn’t a restriction on Facebook that says you have to use your legal full name, Facebook expects you to use a name you usually use in real life. Nicknames can be used as the first of the middle name if they’re a variant of your real name. You can also list another name – maiden name, nickname, or professional name.
How to Change Name on Facebook
You can change your Facebook name using the Facebook website or the Facebook mobile app, but you can do it only once in 60 days. Here’s how to do it on a desktop browser (you need a PC or laptop) or right from your phone (Android or iOS).
On Desktop browser
- Open Facebook.com
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Under Settings & privacy, click Settings.
- Under Meta Accounts Centre, click See more in Accounts Centre.
- Select the profile you want to change the profile name of.
- Click Name in the pop-up.
- Change the first name and second name here.
On Mobile app
- Open the Facebook app on your phone.
- Under the Menu tab, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy.
- Tap Settings.
- Under Meta Accounts Centre, select See more in Accounts Center.
- Tap Profiles.
- Select the profile you want to change the name.
- Tap Name.
- Change the first name and second name here.
NOTE: The steps mentioned above are for the Facebook app on Android, but the steps are similar on the iOS app as well.
Also Read: Facebook Password Change: How to Change your Facebook Profile Password on Desktop and Mobile
How to add a nickname on Facebook
- Open the Facebook app on your phone.
- Open the Menu tab. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap See more in Accounts Center under Meta Accounts Centre.
- Select your profile from the Profiles option.
- Tap Name.
- Tap Manage other names.
- Choose a name type, you can choose from a Nickname, Maiden name, Married name, Alternate spelling, etc. from here.
- Enter your name and tap Save.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Why can’t I change my name in Facebook?
You can only change your name in Facebook once in 60 days. Also, Facebook doesn’t allow all types of names, check the Facebook name guidelines mentioned above to see if you violated any such name standards.
2) How can I change my Facebook name without 60 days?
Facebook doesn’t allow name changes without a waiting period of 60 days. You have to wait for 60 days to change your name on Facebook.
3) What names are allowed on Facebook?
Names not violating the name standards mentioned above are allowed on Facebook. Your name should not contain symbols, numbers, unusual capitalisation, repeating characters or punctuation. Your name should not contain characters from multiple languages. Your name should not have any titles. Also, there should not be words or phrases in place of a name and there should not be any offensive or suggestive words of any kind.
