How to Change the 'From' Name in Your Email

By

Updated August 19, 2019

35

When you sign up for a new email account, the first and last name that you enter aren't just for identification purposes. By default, with most email accounts, that first and last name will appear in the From field every single time you send an email.

If you prefer to have a different name show up — a nickname or pseudonym, for example — it's easy to change. The process is different from one service to the next, but all of the major webmail service providers offer the option.

Two different kinds of names are related to sending mail. The one you can change is the name that appears in the From field. The other is your email address itself, which usually can't be changed.

Even if you use your real name in your email address, changing your email address usually requires you to sign up for an entirely new account. Given that most webmail services are free, signing up for a new account is a viable option if you really want to change your email address. Just make sure to set up email forwarding so that you don't miss any messages.

Here are instructions on how to change your email name for five of the most popular email services on the internet (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, Yandex Mail, and Zoho Mail).

Change Your Name in Gmail

Change name gmail — Lifewire / Jeremy Laukkonen

Select the gear icon in the upper right corner and choose Settings.
Go to Accounts and Import > Send mail as > edit info.
Enter a new name in the field below your current name.
Select the Save Changes button.

Change Your Name in Outlook

Outlook uses a profile in all of Microsoft's different online products, so you can change your From name in a couple of different ways.

If you are already logged into your Outlook.com mailbox, here's the easiest way:

Select your avatar or profile picture at the top right corner. It might be a generic gray icon of a person or your initials if you have not set a custom profile picture.
Select Edit Profile. Your profile page will open.

Alternatively, you can bypass your inbox and go directly to profile.live.com
Select Edit Name.
Enter your new name into the First name and Last name fields.
Enter the CAPTCHA and select Save.

Change Your Name in Yahoo Mail

changing name yahoo mail — Jeremy Laukkonen

Select the gear icon in the upper right corner and choose More Settings.
Select Mailboxes in the left pane.
Select your account under Mailbox List and edit your name in the Your Name field.
Select Save.

Change Your Name in Yandex Mail

change name in yandex mail — Jeremy Laukkonen

Select the gear icon in the upper right corner.
Select Personal data > signature > picture.
Type a new name in the your name field.
Click Save Changes.

Change Your Name in Zoho Mail

Select the gear icon in the upper right corner.
Select Send Mail As.
Choose your email account.
Type a new name in the display name field.
Select Update .