Tired of seeing an old nickname or some cryptic combination of numbers and letters as the sender of your emails? Update your display name to reflect your true identity.
Whether for professional, personal, or practical reasons, this guide covers how to easily change your email name on Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, iCloud and more top providers. Learn to fix issues, sync across devices, and control the impression your emails make.
Why Change Your Email Display Name?
Your email display name is one of the first things recipients see when you send them a message. It’s right there next to your email address in their inbox.
So do you really want people seeing a goofy nickname or confusing jumble of letters that you set up years ago? Probably not! Updating your display name can help present a more professional image and avoid mix-ups.
Here are some key reasons you may want to change your email display name:
Improve Your Professional Image
Using your full real name as your display name promotes a polished, professional look for business contacts and colleagues.
For example, “John Smith” communicates clearly compared to something vague like “Jsmith123.” It establishes you as a real person rather than a faceless account.
Displaying proper names also:
- Helps build familiarity and trust with recipients
- Makes you look more credible
- Allows relationships to feel more personal
Little details like a proper display name go a long way in terms of perception.
Avoid Confusion
An unclear or cryptic display name can leave recipients puzzled about who you are.
If you used abbreviations, initials, numbers, or random words, folks may not recognize you. This causes confusion and hampers communication.
For instance, recipients might wonder:
- Who is this person emailing me?
- Is this spam or some unknown sender?
- Why didn’t they use a real name?
Using your first and last name sidesteps any doubt and connects your messages back to you.
Personal Preference
Perhaps you simply want your display name to accurately reflect who you are. It’s your account after all – shouldn’t it show your real name?
You may feel:
- Your existing name looks unprofessional
- Previous nicknames are immature or silly
- Cryptic strings of letters and numbers are meaningless
If your current display name no longer suits you, change it. Pick something that genuinely represents your identity.
Don’t let an old display name linger just because you set it up long ago. Make the switch to display your real name with pride.
Use Nicknames
While formal names are best for professional accounts, you may prefer nicknames for personal accounts.
For your personal emails, you might want display names like:
- “Katie” instead of “Katherine”
- “Will” rather than “William”
- “Liz” instead of “Elizabeth”
Shortened or informal versions of your name can give a friendly, casual vibe.
Nicknames are also great for shared family email accounts, such as:
- “The Johnsons” for your household
- “Grandma and Grandpa” for grandparents
- “Smith Sisters” for siblings
Just be sure nicknames are clear – avoid inside jokes or obscure references recipients won’t understand.
In summary, updating an outdated, confusing, or unprofessional email display name has many benefits. Present your best image by sporting a display name that accurately reflects your identity or relationships.
Changing Your Name in Gmail
Gmail is one of the most widely used email services. Whether you use Gmail for personal or professional reasons, displaying your real name ensures messages come from a clear, identifiable sender.
Luckily, changing your display name in Gmail is quick and easy. Here are step-by-step instructions to update it through desktop or mobile.
Via Gmail Settings on Desktop
Gmail’s settings on a computer provide an intuitive way to modify your display name. Just a few clicks and it will sync across all your devices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to change your Gmail display name on desktop:
- Go to Gmail.com and log into your account.
- Click the gear icon in the top right corner.
- Select “See all settings.”
- Go to the “Accounts” tab.
- Under “Send mail as,” click “Edit info.”
- Delete your existing display name.
- Type your new first and last name.
- Click “Save Changes.”
That’s it! The updated name should now appear when sending emails. Easy peasy.
Things to Know
Here are some tips for changing your display name in Gmail on desktop:
- You must be logged into your Gmail account to access settings.
- Make sure spelling and capitalization are correct if using a formal name.
- Nicknames or initials work too if preferred.
- The change syncs across connected devices and apps.
- Recipients may need to refresh to see your new display name.
- You can repeat steps to modify your name again anytime.
So in just a minute or two, you can update your Gmail display identity through desktop settings.
Through Gmail App on Mobile
Modifying your Gmail name on the go is quick and straightforward using the mobile app.
Android Instructions
On Android devices:
- Open the Gmail app.
- Tap the hamburger menu icon.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap your account name.
- Tap Account name.
- Edit your name and tap OK.
- Confirm by tapping YES.
Your updated name is now active!
iPhone Instructions
To change your display name on an iPhone:
- Open the Gmail app.
- Tap the profile icon.
- Scroll down and tap Manage Account.
- Tap your account name.
- Tap Name.
- Enter your new name.
- Tap Done.
Easy as pie! The change should apply across all platforms.
Whether on desktop or mobile, modifying your Gmail display name only takes a moment. Ensure senders and recipients see your preferred name clearly by keeping it updated.
Changing Your Yahoo Mail Display Name
Yahoo Mail is another commonly used email service, both for personal and professional needs. To present a clear identity on Yahoo Mail, updating your display name is simple.
You can change it through the Yahoo Mail website or mobile app on iPhone and Android. Here’s how:
Via Yahoo Mail Website
The Yahoo Mail website provides an easy way to modify your display name, visible whenever you email someone.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to change your display name on the Yahoo Mail website:
- Go to the Yahoo Mail sign-in page.
- Enter your Yahoo ID and password to login.
- Click on your profile icon in the top right.
- Select “Account Info” from the dropdown menu.
- Under “Edit Profile,” click “Edit” beside the Name field.
- Delete your old display name.
- Type your new first and last name.
- Click “Save Changes.”
That’s all there is to it! The updated name should now display when you send emails through Yahoo Mail.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your Yahoo Mail display name won’t update, try these tips:
- Make sure to click “Save Changes” after entering new name.
- Log out and back into Yahoo Mail to refresh the change.
- Check your account permissions if using a work/school email.
- Contact Yahoo customer support if issue persists.
- Consider switching to a personal email instead.
With just a few quick steps, you can modify your display name on Yahoo Mail through the website.
Using Yahoo Mail App
You can also change your Yahoo Mail display name directly through the Yahoo Mail app for iPhone or Android devices.
On iPhone
To update your display name on the Yahoo Mail app for iPhone:
- Open the Yahoo Mail app.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top left.
- Scroll down and select “Manage accounts.”
- Tap on your account name.
- Tap “Account Info.”
- Tap on your display name to edit it.
- Enter your new preferred name.
- Tap “Done” to save changes.
Your iPhone’s Yahoo Mail app will now show your updated display name.
On Android
Here are the steps to modify your display name on the Yahoo Mail app for Android:
- Open the Yahoo Mail app.
- Tap the menu icon in the top left.
- Select “Settings.”
- Tap “View Account.”
- Tap “Personal Info.”
- Tap the edit icon beside “Name.”
- Enter your new display name.
- Tap “Save.”
That’s it, your new name is set on the Android Yahoo Mail app!
Changing your display name through the Yahoo Mail mobile apps is super quick and easy. Keep your identity up-to-date across all platforms.
How to Modify Names on Other Email Services
Beyond heavyweights like Gmail and Yahoo, many other popular email platforms allow you to update your display name.
Whether for work, family, or personal use, here’s how to change your email name on these common providers:
Outlook.com
Owned by Microsoft, Outlook.com is a widely used webmail service. Follow these steps to modify your display name:
- Go to Outlook.com and login.
- Click your profile icon in the top right.
- Click “View account.”
- Under “Your info,” click “Edit name.”
- Enter your new first and last name.
- Click “Save changes.”
Your Outlook.com name should update quickly across connected apps and devices. Be sure to use your full name for professional accounts.
iCloud Mail
For Apple users, iCloud Mail integrates tightly with iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. Here’s how to change your iCloud Mail display name:
- Open the Settings app on your Apple device.
- Tap on your name at the top.
- Tap “Name, Phone Numbers, Email.”
- Tap “Edit” next to your iCloud email.
- Enter your new first and last name.
- Tap “Done” to save changes.
Your updated name will automatically sync across all apps connected to your iCloud account.
Microsoft Exchange
Microsoft Exchange email is common at companies and organizations. To change your display name:
- Login to your Exchange account inbox.
- Click the settings gear icon.
- Click options for “account settings” or “account information.”
- Look for your display name under personal info or account details.
- Update your first and last name and save changes.
If access is limited, submit a request to your IT department to update your Exchange email display name.
Zoho Mail
Zoho Mail powers custom email for many businesses. Here are the steps to modify your display name:
- Go to Zoho Mail and login.
- Click the profile icon.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Click “General” on the left sidebar.
- Under “Basic Settings,” edit your display name.
- Click “Save Changes.”
Be sure to use your full first and last name on Zoho Mail for a professional look.
Fastmail
Fastmail is an easy-to-use email service focused on speed and reliability. Change your display name by:
- Logging into your Fastmail account inbox.
- Clicking “Settings” in the top right.
- Selecting “Account” from the left sidebar.
- Click “Edit details.”
- Update your display name and save changes.
Your new name will now display when sending Fastmail messages. Consider a consistent name across all your email accounts.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips when changing your display name on other email providers:
- Use your full first and last name for professional accounts.
- Nicknames or initials work for personal accounts.
- Double check spelling and capitalization.
- Changes can take up to 24 hours to fully sync across connected devices.
- Recipients may need to refresh their email to see your new name.
- Update signatures if they include your old display name.
- Set the same display name across all your email accounts for consistency.
So whether you use Outlook, iCloud, Exchange, Zoho, Fastmail, or any other service, updating your display name is quick and easy. Ensure recipients see an accurate name that identifies you or your organization clearly.
Finding a Person’s Name From Their Email Address
Want to identify someone based on their email address? Various online lookup services and social networks make it possible to discover the name associated with an email account.
Here are some effective ways to find a person’s name when you only have their email address:
Using Email Lookup Services
Specialized email lookup sites scour public records and online data to link email addresses with names. Common options include:
TruthFinder
TruthFinder pulls billions of public records to provide background info on email users. It offers a free peek with name and age before subscribing.
PhoneValid8or
PhoneValid8or combines phone and email lookup. It searches directories and social sites to identify names for just a small fee.
Spokeo
Spokeo searches white pages, social networks, and other sources to find names tied to emails. It offers both free and paid options.
These services generally provide the most complete name results from an email address search. However, accuracy and ethics may be questionable.
Searching on Social Networks
Looking up an email address on major social networks can also help determine the account owner’s name:
Facebook’s username search at www.facebook.com/search allows finding profiles linked to an email address.
Twitter’s advanced search supports finding accounts associated with a particular email address.
LinkedIn has an email lookup under the My Network tab to identify members using that email.
If the email user has profiles on these sites, you can potentially discover their name. This method relies on them providing their email publicly.
Using Background Check Sites
Websites offering paid background checks often provide email lookup to findnames. For example:
Intelius
Intelius provides reverse email search along with other background check services.
PeopleLookup
PeopleLookup connects email addresses to names via their identity search tools.
PeopleFinders
PeopleFinders ties emails to names through public records and social sites via paid search.
These tools provide extensive background information, so privacy concerns exist. But they can uncover names associated with emails in many cases.
In summary, various online lookup resources exist to help determine a person’s name from only their email address. Consider privacy implications before using them to identify email owners.
Key Takeaways
Changing your display name on email accounts is a great way to present a professional image, avoid confusion, and reflect your true identity.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Display names provide the first impression when emailing – make it count.
- Use your real first and last name for professional accounts.
- Nicknames work for personal accounts.
- Updating display names on Gmail, Yahoo, and more is quick and easy.
- Mobile apps also allow changing your email name on the go.
- Allow some time for your new name to fully take effect.
- Troubleshoot issues like logouts or IT support if needed.
- Display name changes do not affect your underlying email address.
So whether for business, personal, or any other use case, maintaining an up-to-date, accurate display name on your email accounts is recommended. This guide covered simple steps to change names on all major providers.
Take control of the identity your email presents by properly setting your display name today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions around changing your display name on email accounts:
How do I change my Gmail display name?
On desktop, go to Gmail Settings > Accounts > Send mail as > Edit info. On mobile, go through your profile or account manager options.
Where can I update my Yahoo Mail name?
You can change your Yahoo Mail display name in Account Info on the website, or in the Account settings on the mobile app.
Does switching email display names affect my address?
No, your underlying email address stays the same – only the display name changes when you update it.
Why can’t I change my work/school email name?
For enterprise platforms like Office 365 or G Suite, account permissions may prevent name changes. Contact your IT admin.
When I change display name, does it update sent emails?
No, your new display name will only appear on emails sent after the change. Older emails show the previous name.
How long does it take for a new email name to update everywhere?
It may take up to 24 hours for a new display name to fully propagate across all connected services and recipients.
What’s the best display name format for professional use?
Use your full first and last name (e.g. Jennifer Smith) without abbreviations or nicknames for formal business purposes.
Can I use emojis or special characters in an email display name?
Most providers allow emojis and symbols. But plain text names are safest for maximum compatibility.
Is it better to be consistent with display names across my email accounts?
Yes, using the same display name across all your email services reduces confusion and reinforces your personal brand.