Change your name in Facebook settings in about two minutes
Open Facebook on a computer or phone, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Click Personal Information, then Name. Type your new last name in the Last Name field, click Review Change, and confirm. Facebook will show your new name to your friends within minutes. You can change it again after 60 days.
The process is the same whether you're changing your last name legally, going by a different name, or just want to update what appears on your profile. Facebook doesn't verify legal documents — it accepts whatever name you enter as long as it follows their naming rules.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your last name through Settings and Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Name on both desktop and mobile.
- Facebook allows a new name change every 60 days, so you cannot change it again immediately after your first update.
- Your new name appears to friends and the public within minutes, but old posts and comments still show your previous name.
- Facebook's name rules reject names that look like fake accounts, titles, or numbers, but accept most real names regardless of legal status.
Step-by-step instructions for desktop
Start at facebook.com. In the top right corner, click the downward arrow next to your profile picture. Select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, click Personal Information. You'll see your current first and last name displayed.
Click the Name field. A box will open showing your first name and last name in separate fields. Edit only the Last Name field to what you want it to be. Click Review Change at the bottom. Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name will appear. Click Confirm to save it.
Step-by-step instructions for mobile
Open the Facebook app. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Personal Information. Tap Name. Edit the Last Name field to your new name and tap Review Change.
Facebook will show you a preview. Tap Confirm to save. The change takes effect immediately on your phone and will sync to all devices where you're logged in.
What happens to your old name after you change it
Your profile will display your new last name right away. However, any comments, posts, or messages you wrote before the change will still show your old name attached to them. Facebook does not retroactively update the name on old content. If someone searches for your old name, they won't find your profile — only your new name will appear in search results.
Friends who already know you will see the change in their notifications. If you want to let people know about the change, you can post about it or message them directly.
The 60-day waiting period between changes
After you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This rule applies whether you're changing your first name, last name, or both. If you make a mistake, you'll need to wait two months before you can fix it. Plan your change carefully if you know you might want to adjust it soon.
The 60-day timer resets each time you make a change. If you change your name on day one, you can change it again on day 61, but not before.
Facebook's naming rules and what names get rejected
Facebook rejects names that contain numbers, symbols, or characters that look like fake accounts or spam. Names like "John 123" or "Sarah_Smith" will be rejected. Titles like "Dr.", "Mr.", or "Jr." are also rejected if they appear as the main part of your name, though some people successfully include them as part of a longer name.
Facebook does not require legal documentation. You can use a nickname, stage name, or any name you go by regularly. If your name is rejected, try removing numbers, symbols, or extra spaces. If it's still rejected and you believe it's a real name you use, you can appeal the rejection directly through Facebook.
Changing your name does not affect your account security
Your login email and password remain exactly the same. Changing your display name does not log you out, reset your password, or affect any of your account settings. Your friends list, messages, photos, and all other content stay on your account.
If you're changing your name because you're concerned about privacy or security, changing your display name alone won't hide your account from people who already know you. Consider adjusting your privacy settings separately if you want to limit who can see your profile or contact you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my last name back to what it was before?
Yes, but you have to wait 60 days. After 60 days from your most recent name change, you can change it back to any name you want, including your previous one. You'll go through the same Settings > Personal Information > Name process.
Will my friends get notified when I change my last name?
Yes. Facebook sends a notification to your friends when you change your name. The notification appears in their activity feed and says something like "[Your Name] changed their name." They can click it to see your new name.
What if Facebook rejects my new last name?
Facebook will tell you why the name was rejected — usually because it contains numbers, symbols, or looks like spam. Try removing those characters and submit again. If you believe your name is real and legitimate, you can appeal the rejection through the same screen where it was rejected.
Does changing my name on Facebook change it anywhere else?
No. Changing your name on Facebook only affects your Facebook profile. It does not change your name on Instagram, WhatsApp, or any other app or website. You would need to change your name separately on each platform if you want your name updated everywhere.
Can I use a fake name or stage name on Facebook?
Facebook allows you to use any name you regularly go by, including a stage name, nickname, or name from your culture that might not match your legal documents. Facebook does not verify legal identity. However, the name still has to follow their formatting rules — no numbers, excessive symbols, or patterns that look like spam accounts.