How to Change Your Name on Facebook: A Comprehensive Guide
In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon for people to use social media as a way to keep in touch with old friends. Many of us also use these sites as a way to keep tabs on new friends, ex-classmates, and former coworkers. Even so, some people are more cautious than others about sharing their personal information online. For example, many users have reservations about revealing their first and last names on Facebook. This article will cover all you need to know about changing your name on Facebook with ease.
Who Can Change Their Name on Facebook?
Anyone can change their name on Facebook. You don’t have to be married or divorced or in a domestic partnership to change your name on Facebook. You can also change your name because you or your parent changed your name. Additionally, you can change your name for other reasons, such as a cultural or religious naming ceremony. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule. For example, minors can’t change their name on Facebook. There’s also no option to change your name if you’re in the process of getting a legal name change. The latter, however, is often overlooked by Facebook users.
How to Change Your Name on Facebook
Changing your name on Facebook is a fairly straightforward process. To get started, click on your name at the top of the page and select Settings. In the resulting page, click on the Edit option next to your Full Name. After that, you can add a new name and select the one you want to be the primary name. To make this name the primary name, make sure it’s checked. The name you were previously known as will be in a gray font. Clicking the down arrow next to the font will reveal an option to remove the name. This will permanently remove the name from your profile. As a reminder, a name change on Facebook will not change your name on your government-issued identification. This includes your driver’s license, passport, and birth certificate.
Why People Change Their Name on Facebook
There are many reasons why people change their name on Facebook. For starters, some people prefer to use an alias when communicating online. Some people may also have concerns about their privacy. If you don’t want your family or co-workers to know you’re a member of a certain group or page, using an alias can help. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind before changing your name on Facebook. First, these name changes are permanent. This means you can’t go back to your original name once you’ve switched. It’s also important to note that a name change doesn’t change your email address or any other personal information. That said, once you’ve changed your name, it’s a good idea to double-check your privacy settings to make sure your information is private.
What to Know Before You Change Your Name on Facebook
There are a few things to keep in mind before you change your name on Facebook. The first thing you’ll want to do is check with your friends and family to make sure they know your new name. Not only will this keep you from having to explain yourself constantly, it will also prevent confusion and miscommunication. Next, make sure you have all of your legal documents up to date. This includes your driver’s license, passport, and social security card. It’s also a good idea to change your name on all of your online accounts. This could include your email address, social media accounts, and banking accounts. Keep in mind that changing your name on Facebook does not change your name on other platforms.
Is It Safe to Change Your Name on Facebook?
The short answer is no. Although your name change will only be visible to you and your friends and family, a name change on Facebook can have negative long-term effects. For example, employers and colleges often use Facebook as a tool to research applicants and students. This means that a name change on Facebook will negatively affect your employment or academic future. Even though a name change on Facebook isn’t permanent, it can still cause issues. For example, if you decide to change your name back in the future, you’ll have two names on your account. This can make it difficult to sort through your account and find relevant information.