How to change your Gmail account name in just a few clicks

Changing your Gmail account name is easier than most users think. Whether you’re aiming for a more professional email presence or simply correcting a typo made years ago, Google offers a straightforward method to update the name that appears when you send messages—without needing to create a new email address.

Understand the difference between your name and your address

Before making changes, it’s important to note that you can change the display name but not your actual email address (e.g., johnsmith@gmail.com). If your email address contains an unprofessional word or nickname, the only solution is to create a new Gmail account.

Step-by-step guide to changing your name

To begin, open Gmail on a web browser from your computer or phone. Click the gear icon in the upper-right corner, select See all settings, and go to the Accounts and Import tab. In the Send mail as section, click edit info. From there, you can input a new name that will be shown when recipients receive your emails.

Why change your Gmail name?

There are many reasons why users may want to update their Gmail name. You may have changed your legal name after marriage or divorce, or you might want to reflect a new identity. In some cases, users simply fix spelling errors made during account creation. Others want to avoid confusion caused by common names, opting to include a second surname or middle name for better identification.

Optional: Add a different sending address

While Gmail doesn’t let you change your primary address, you can send emails from a different address and display that instead. Just be cautious—replies will go to that secondary email, so it requires regular checking.