When signing up for a Facebook account, you have a few options for what name you can use. Facebook’s naming policies aim to ensure authenticity while still providing users with some flexibility. In this article, we’ll go over the requirements and suggestions for choosing a name on Facebook.
The Basics of Facebook Names
Facebook requires users to provide their real first and last names when creating an account. These are the names you use in real life on a daily basis. Nicknames, maiden names, or aliases cannot be used in place of your legal first and last name.
There are a few reasons why Facebook enforces a “real name” policy:
- It helps maintain an authentic community where people are who they claim to be.
- It allows friends to find you easily.
- It discourages trolls or fake accounts.
While Facebook does require your legal name, there are some variations you can make to your name when setting up your profile:
- Shortened or abbreviated first name (like Will instead of William)
- Variation on your last name (like Johnson instead of Johnston)
- Middle name or middle initial
- Prefix (like Mr.) or suffix (like Jr.)
- Maiden name
As long as the name reasonably resembles the name you use in daily life, it should be acceptable to use on Facebook.
Using a Middle Name
One of the most common name variations people use on Facebook is including a middle name or middle initial.
There are a couple reasons you may want to include a middle name on your Facebook profile:
- It makes you easier to find for friends who know you by your middle name.
- It differentiates you from others who share just your first and last name.
- You prefer how your full name looks or sounds.
Facebook allows you to use a full middle name, like “Mary Elizabeth Johnson” or just an initial, like “Mary E. Johnson.”
The only requirement is that the middle name you use is actually your legal middle name as it appears on official documents and identification.
If you choose to use a middle name when you first create your account, it will become part of your permanent name on Facebook. So make sure it’s a variation you’re comfortable with before confirming it.
Using a Professional Designation
Can you include a title or professional designation in your Facebook name? Professional titles – like Dr., Reverend, Senator, or Captain – are not permitted as part of your profile name.
However, Facebook does allow some suffixes that denote professional qualifications to be included in your name. Here are some examples of professional suffixes that are allowed:
- CPA – Chartered Professional Accountant
- CFP – Certified Financial Planner
- MBA – Master of Business Administration
- MD – Medical Doctor
- PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
So naming yourself “Sarah Smith, CPA” or “Alex Johnson PhD” would be allowed. But naming yourself “Dr. Michael Stevens” would go against Facebook’s real name policy.
Keep in mind the professional suffix must be a qualification you have legitimately earned. Facebook may request proof if they suspect a suffix is used inaccurately.
Using a Nickname
Can you use a nickname like “Kat” instead of Katherine on Facebook? Unfortunately, nicknames cannot fully replace your first name per Facebook’s naming policies.
However, you do have a couple options for including a preferred nickname on your profile:
- Use it in parentheses after your first name – like Katherine (“Kat”) Johnson
- Add it as a name prefix – like Kat Katherine Johnson
Nicknames can only be used in addition to your real first name, not in place of it. This helps friends who may know you by your full name still locate you.
The nickname you include should be a name you commonly use in real life, not just an online persona. And Facebook may require proof of the nickname if they suspect it’s not legitimate.
Updating Your Name After Marriage or Divorce
What if your legal name changes after getting married or divorced? Facebook requires you to use your authentic, legal name on your profile at all times.
So if you take on a new last name after getting married, you need to update your Facebook name to reflect that change. And if you go back to your maiden name after a divorce, you should update your name again to match your current legal name.
To change your name on Facebook after a marriage or divorce:
- Go to your profile settings
- Click “Edit” next to your name
- Enter your new legal name
- Re-enter your password to confirm the change
Facebook may ask you to provide documentation to confirm your name change in some cases. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, driver’s license, passport, etc.
Using a Professional Stage Name
Entertainers, writers, artists, and other public figures sometimes go by a professional pseudonym or stage name. However, Facebook does not allow these alternative stage names to fully replace your real first and last name.
You do have a couple options for including a professional name on your Facebook profile:
- Use it in parentheses after your real name
- Add it as a name prefix before your real first name
So an author named Joanne Rowling could use a name like “J.K. (Joanne) Rowling” or “J.K. Joanne Rowling.”
Keep in mind Facebook may request proof of your stage name if they have reason to believe it’s not a legitimate public name tied to your profession.
Using Initials Instead of First Name
Can you just use your first initial instead of your full first name on Facebook? Using only initials in place of your first name is not allowed under Facebook’s naming policy.
However, you can include your first initial along with your full first name, like “A. Jennifer Smith.” The initials help distinguish you from other people with a common first name.
Some acceptable name formats with initials include:
- A. Jennifer Smith
- Jennifer A. Smith
- A. J. Smith
Just be sure your real first name is still included – the initials alone are not enough. And limit initials to one or two to avoid looking suspicious.
Using a Family or Plural Name
Special name forms that reflect a family or community identity may be allowed with some conditions. Two examples are
- Máire Bean Uí Bhraonáin – Máire represents the individual’s first name, while Bean Uí Bhraonáin reflects her family and community.
- Taarav Parikh – Taarav identifies the individual, while Parikh indicates membership in a community traditionally using a single name.
To use a naming pattern that represents family or community membership, make sure:
- Your personal first name is included.
- The name accurately reflects your family ties or community affiliation.
- You’re prepared to explain the naming tradition if asked by Facebook.
These types of names represent legitimate cultural naming practices, but Facebook still aims to maintain individual authenticity via the included personal first name.
The Name on Your Profile vs Page Name
It’s important to understand the difference between your profile name and page name on Facebook:
- Profile name – This is your personal account name used to represent your identity. It must be your real first and last name according to Facebook’s naming policy.
- Page name – This is the name used for Pages representing businesses, organizations, brands, entertainers etc. Pages have much more flexibility for names.
So if you have a Page for your business or creative persona, you can name the Page almost anything you want. But your personal profile connected to that Page still needs to use your real identity.
The increased flexibility for Page names allow companies, organizations, and public figures to use recognizable branding rather than legal entity names.
What if Facebook Rejects Your Name?
In some cases, the name you provide may not meet Facebook’s authenticity standards, resulting in your account being flagged or suspended.
Common reasons your name may be rejected include:
- Using a fake name not tied to your real identity
- Providing a nickname without accompanying first name
- Using initials only without first name
- Using an alternate name like an alias or stage name
If your account is suspended for violating the name policy, you’ll be asked to provide an ID to verify your identity and real name. Acceptable IDs include:
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Voter registration card
- Marriage certificate
- Official name change paperwork
Once you provide confirmation of your real name, Facebook will unlock your account. Just be sure to update your name to comply with policy before using it again.
Appealing a Rejected Name
If you believe Facebook mistakenly rejected your name, you can go through an appeals process to have it reconsidered. Reasons you may want to appeal include:
- You legally go by a name variation different from official IDs (like a shortened first name).
- You use a legitimate cultural naming tradition.
- You have a professional stage name tied to your creative work.
To submit an appeal:
- Fill out the online appeal form explaining your naming situation.
- Provide screenshots of documentation supporting your case.
- Allow 1-3 business days for Facebook to review your appeal.
If approved, you’ll receive notification you can now use your preferred name as long as it reasonably aligns with your real identity.
Creating a New Account After Name Rejection
If your name gets rejected by Facebook multiple times, you may be permanently blocked from creating an account. This is to prevent repeat violations of the name policy.
In some cases, you may be allowed to create a new account as long as you adhere to the name requirements. Before trying to create a new profile, make sure you:
- Fully comply with the name policy – no aliases, nicknames, initials only, etc.
- Use the exact name shown on your official IDs.
- Only make one account for yourself.
Creating multiple accounts or continuing to provide fake name information could lead to your device being banned from Facebook entirely.
Why You Should Use Your Real Name
While Facebook’s “real name” policy may seem restrictive, there are good reasons to use your authentic identity:
- Find friends easily – Friends can search and connect with you when they know your real name. Using an alias makes you harder to locate.
- Build a genuine community – Real names foster authenticity and trust between members.
- Discourage trolling – Anonymity emboldens antisocial behavior. Real names promote accountability.
- Avoid confusion – Consistent names prevent mix-ups between profiles, pages, and groups.
- Match other IDs – Your Facebook name will align with email accounts, documents, etc. tied to your real identity.
Representing your genuine self online creates a healthier community and more meaningful connections. While flexibility is allowed, real names bring people together.
Conclusion
Facebook aims to strike a balance between authenticity and flexibility with its name policies. While your real first and last names are required, you have options to include name variations like middle names, initials, and suffixes.
Common questions people have about Facebook names include:
- Can I use a nickname?
- What if my name changes?
- Can I go by my stage name?
- What if Facebook rejects my name?
Overall, choose a name that accurately reflects your real-life identity while allowing you to differentiate yourself from others. And be prepared to verify your name if Facebook has any doubts about it meeting their authenticity standards.
With over 2 billion users, Facebook’s name policy aims to maintain trust and accountability within the community. While a unique nickname or alias may seem appealing, representing your genuine identity ultimately fosters more meaningful connections.