How to Change the 'From' Name in Your Email

When you sign up for a new email account, the first and last name that you enter aren't only for identification purposes. By default, with most email accounts, that first and last name appear in the From field when 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. Still, the major webmail service providers offer the option.

Two 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, 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 a new account. Most webmail services are free, so signing up for a new account is a viable option to change your email address. 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 popular email services on the internet (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, Yandex Mail, and Zoho Mail).

Change Your Name in Gmail

To change your display name in Gmail:

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

Change Your Name in Outlook

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

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

Select your avatar or profile picture at the upper-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 opens.

Alternatively, 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, then select Save.

Change Your Name in Yahoo Mail

To change your display name in Yahoo Mail:

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

Change Your Name in Yandex Mail

To change your display name in Yandex Mail:

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

To use a different display 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.