How do I not put my last name on Facebook?

Facebook allows users to display their first and last names on their profile. However, some users may prefer to only show their first name for privacy reasons. Fortunately, Facebook offers options to hide or remove your last name from your profile.

In this article, we will discuss the steps to not display your last name on Facebook, including:

Removing your last name from your profile

Changing the privacy settings for your last name
Using a nickname instead of your full name

Knowing how to control the visibility of your last name can help you protect your privacy on Facebook. Follow the instructions below to learn how to not put your last name on your Facebook profile.

Remove Your Last Name from Your Profile

The easiest way to not display your last name on Facebook is to completely remove it from your profile. Here are the steps to delete your last name:

Go to your Facebook profile page and click on your name at the top to open your public profile page.
Click on the “More” button represented by three horizontal dots next to your name.

Select “Edit public profile & URL” from the dropdown menu.
Delete your last name from the text fields for first and last name.
Click “Review Change” and then “Save Changes” to confirm.

Once you save the changes, your last name will no longer be visible on your Facebook profile. People visiting your profile will only see your first name.

This is the simplest option if you want to completely remove access to your last name across Facebook. However, it also means you cannot display your last name anywhere on Facebook.

Change Privacy Settings for Your Last Name

Instead of deleting your last name completely, you can also choose to just adjust the privacy settings for your last name. This allows you to show your last name only to certain people on Facebook.

Here are the steps to change the privacy settings for your last name:

Go to your profile and click the “About” section.
Hover over your last name and click the lock icon that appears.

In the Audience Selector that opens, click on “Specific People”.
Type in the names or profiles of people you want to be able to see your last name.
Click “Save Changes” at the bottom.

After making this change, your last name will be visible only to the people you selected. Everyone else will just see your first name when they visit your profile or see your name around Facebook.

You can edit the audience selector at any time to add or remove people who can view your last name. This gives you more control over who can see your full name, compared to removing it completely.

Use a Nickname Instead of Your Full Name

Another option is to display a nickname instead of your first and last name on your profile. Here are the steps:

Go to your public profile and click “Edit public profile & URL”.
In the name fields, enter the nickname you want to use instead of your real first and last name.
Click “Review Change” and then “Save Changes”.

This will change your display name to show the nickname across Facebook instead of your real name. You can choose any nickname you like, such as your initials or a combination of first and last name.

Using a nickname prevents your full real name being visible anywhere on your profile. However, it means you lose the ability to display your real first and last name anywhere on Facebook.

Things to Keep in Mind

When deciding how to not show your last name on Facebook, keep the following important points in mind:

Removing your last name or using a nickname means you cannot display your real full name anywhere on Facebook.
Adjusting privacy settings for your last name gives you more control over who can see it.
Facebook may still show your full name in some places, like friend suggestions and notifications.

Facebook requires users to provide their real first and last name at sign-up.
Not displaying your real name could cause issues if you need to verify your identity on Facebook.

While Facebook offers options to hide or remove your last name, your full real name is still associated with your account. Facebook’s name policies require providing your true identity when you sign up.

Think carefully before deciding to not show your last name anywhere on your profile. While it can help enhance your privacy in some ways, it also has limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about not displaying your last name on Facebook:

Can I remove my last name from Facebook entirely?

No, you cannot permanently delete your last name from Facebook. Your full real name is always connected to your account. The best you can do is remove your last name from your profile or adjust the privacy settings.

What happens if I change my name to a nickname?

If you change your profile name to a nickname instead of your real first and last name, it will update your display name shown across Facebook. However, Facebook still knows your real identity associated with the account.

Can I show my last name to some people but not others?

Yes, adjusting the privacy settings for your last name allows you to customize exactly who can see it. You can show your last name only to certain friends, family members, coworkers, etc.

Will Facebook force me to use my real name?

Facebook does require you to provide your true first and last name when you sign up. If you remove your last name or use a nickname, Facebook may prompt you to verify your identity with a form of ID.

Can I use initials instead of my last name?

You can display initials instead of your full last name if you like. This allows you to show a version of your last name without revealing the full thing. Just enter your first name and last initial(s) in the profile name fields.

Conclusion

There are a few different options on Facebook for users who want to hide or not display their last name for privacy reasons. Completely removing your last name, adjusting the privacy settings, and using a nickname can all prevent your last name from being visible.

Keep in mind that Facebook still associates your full real name with your account. Think carefully about the limitations and potential identity verification issues before deciding to not show your last name on your profile. With the right settings and compromises, you can find a solution that enhances privacy while still using your real name on Facebook.

Option	Pros	Cons
Remove last name completely	Completely hides last name Simple to do	Cannot show last name anywhere Could lead to identity issues
Adjust privacy settings	Can customize who sees last name Still have access to full name	More complex to configure Name may appear in some places
Use nickname	Hides real last name Get to choose display name	Lose ability to show real name Could lead to identity issues

How to Change Your Name on Facebook
How to Adjust Name Privacy Settings on Facebook
Facebook Name Policies Explained