👤 How to Change the WordPress User’s Display Name
WordPress allows users to customise how their name appears publicly on posts, pages, and comments. This is called the display name, and it can be changed easily from the dashboard without affecting login credentials or email settings.
✅ Step 1: Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard
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Open your browser and visit your login page (usually yourdomain.com/wp-admin)
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Enter your username and password
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Click the Log In button to access the dashboard
🧭 Step 2: Go to Your Profile Settings
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From the dashboard, go to Users
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Click on Profile (if you’re editing your own name)
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Alternatively, go to Users then All Users to edit another user’s profile (requires admin privileges)
✏️ Step 3: Update Name Fields
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Scroll down to the Name section
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Enter or modify the following fields:
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First Name
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Last Name
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Nickname (required)
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Note: The Nickname field must be filled out before you can change the display name
🔽 Step 4: Choose a Display Name
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After entering your names and nickname, scroll to the Display name publicly as dropdown
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Select your preferred name format (e.g. John Doe, jdoe, or a nickname)
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This determines how your name appears next to blog posts and comments
💾 Step 5: Save Changes
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Scroll to the bottom of the page
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Click the Update Profile button
Your display name will now appear across your WordPress site according to the new setting.
🔐 Additional Tips
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This change does not affect your username or how you log in
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Authors and contributors often use a nickname or pen name for branding or privacy
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Make sure to update your bio and profile picture for a fully personalised author profile
✅ Conclusion
Changing your display name in WordPress is a quick and simple way to personalise your public presence without altering login credentials. Whether you want to show your full name, a shortened version, or a custom nickname, WordPress gives you full control.
