How to Change Your Gmail Sender Name

Are you looking to change your Gmail sender name? Gmail is the number one inbox provider worldwide, but sometimes your sender name needs an update. This article shows the steps that let you do that quickly and easily.

The number of Gmail users is at 1.8 billion, something Gmail creator Paul Buchheit told us was always the dream. 

For so many people, Gmail is a daily part of life. But along with your subject line, the first thing someone sees when you send them an email is your sender name. Whether you’re sending a personal or professional email, your sender name sets the tone for the interaction.

Your Gmail sender name may need some updating. Can you even do that? You sure can – and it’s not hard to do.

Why would you change your Gmail sender name?

There are various reasons why people might need to update the sender name associated with their Gmail account. Below are some of the most common scenarios:

• You made a typo when setting up your account.
  It’s easy to accidentally misspell your name or make a mistake during the initial setup. Your sender name is one of the first things people see, so you want to make sure it’s accurate.
• You got married or divorced and are changing your last name.
  Life events such as marriage or divorce may result in a legal name change. 
• You’ve legally changed your name for other reasons.
  Whether it’s for personal, cultural, or legal reasons, some people opt to change their names officially.
• Your sender name included a job title or position you no longer hold.
  If your Gmail name reflected a past job title or role, you may want to update it to reflect your current position. Alternatively, you might want to remove that altogether.
• You’re transitioning to a more professional name.
  Sometimes people set up their email accounts using a casual or nickname, but later want to switch to a more professional identity for work purposes.
• You want to unify your online identity.
  You might have been using different names or aliases across platforms, and now want to create consistency in your online presence. It’s smart to use one single name on every channel.
• You’re managing a shared or team account.
  If you’re taking over the management of an account for a business or team, changing the sender name to reflect the organization or role might be necessary.
• You want to better represent your brand or business.
  Individuals managing personal businesses may update their Gmail sender name to match their business name or brand. Every aspect of your branding is a building block to increased recognition. 

How do you change your Gmail sender name?

It’s very easy to change your Gmail sender name. You should be able to switch from your old Gmail sender name to a new one in a minute or two.

Let’s take a look at the steps and show you exactly how to update your name in Gmail. 

1. Open Gmail

Go to your Gmail account and log in if you’re not already logged in. It’s as simple as signing into the account with the username you want to change.

2. Click on the gear icon

Look for the small gear icon in the top right corner of the Gmail page. It looks like a metal wheel. This is your “settings” button. Simply click on it.

3. Go to “see all settings”

In the dropdown menu that appears, select the option that says “see all settings.”

4. Click on the “accounts and import” tab

At the top of the settings page, you’ll see several tabs. Click on the one that says “accounts and import.”

5. Find “send mail as” section

Scroll down until you see a section called “send mail as.” This is where you manage the name that appears when you send emails.

6. Click “edit info”

Next to your email address, you’ll see an option to “edit info.” Click on that.

7. Enter your new sender name

A new window will pop up. You’ll see a box where you can type in the new name you want to display when sending emails. Enter the name you want.

8. Save changes

After you’ve typed in your new name, click the “save changes” button at the bottom.

That’s it! From now on, your new name will show up when you send emails. You can even send an email to yourself to make sure that the changes were made.

So, why does your Gmail sender name matter?

Your Gmail sender name is more than just a label — it’s a part of your online identity. It’s not only one of the first things recipients notice, but it also plays a big role in shaping their perception of your email. 

Whether it’s a personal message or professional correspondence, your sender name could make or break the interaction. If your sender name is confusing, overly casual, or inaccurate, it could affect how others engage with your emails. 

Sometimes, people may ignore or delete your email if they don’t recognize you. Worse, it could be marked as spam if something about the name looks suspicious or untrustworthy.

A clear, accurate, professional sender name ensures you’re putting your best foot forward and helps build credibility with the people you talk to.

How to choose a professional Gmail sender name

If you’re thinking of changing your Gmail sender name, here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

Use your full name

When sending personal or professional emails, it’s best to include your first and last name. This adds credibility and helps the recipient easily recognize you.

Avoid nicknames or abbreviations

While nicknames can be fun in casual settings, it’s a good idea to stick with your full name in professional communications. This helps ensure you’re taken seriously. Just because people call you “Night Train” on the basketball court, doesn’t mean it should be your sender name on Gmail.

Related: Do you know about Google and Yahoo’s email deliverability rules?

Be consistent

If you manage multiple accounts, ensure your sender name is consistent across them. This creates a cohesive online presence and helps people know they’re dealing with the same person. You’d be surprised how much confusion this has caused – including people thinking the same person are two separate individuals.

Include your business name (if applicable)

For entrepreneurs or freelancers, consider incorporating your business name in your sender field (e.g., Jane Doe | Doe Consulting). This adds professionalism and boosts your brand recognition.

Best practices for managing multiple Gmail accounts

If you’re managing both personal and professional Gmail accounts, you want to keep things organized. Here are some best practices to avoid confusion:

• Separate accounts: Use separate email accounts for personal and professional use to keep things clean and avoid mixing messages.
• Create filters: Set up filters to manage incoming emails by category (work, personal, etc.) so you can stay organized. This is a matter of preference.
• Update your signature: Make sure your email signature reflects your sender name, especially if you’ve changed it recently.

Troubleshooting common issues when changing your Gmail sender name

Occasionally, you may need help when trying to update your Gmail sender name. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• Name not updating across devices: Make sure your changes are synced. You may need to log out and then log back in.  You should also clear your browser’s cache for the updates to take effect.
• Sender name still showing the old one: Double-check that you clicked “save changes” after editing your name. It might take a few minutes for the change to reflect across all Gmail apps.

Should you consider a custom domain for your email?

For professionals or business owners, changing your Gmail sender name might not be enough. A custom domain like yourname@yourbusiness.com can make you appear even more professional and trustworthy.

Here’s why you should consider a custom domain:

• It looks more professional: A custom email domain instantly makes you stand out and appear more legitimate.
• Brand recognition: A branded email address helps reinforce your business and builds trust with your clients, partners, and prospects.

This doesn’t mean you have to abandon the convenience of Gmail, though! You can easily set up a custom domain using Google Workspace, which allows you to connect your domain with Gmail.

Final check: Update your email signature and profile picture

While you’re there, you can spruce other elements of your email. Now that you’ve updated your sender name, take a few extra minutes to review and update your email signature and profile picture. 

A cohesive and professional appearance boosts your credibility and makes a stronger impression.

How to update your signature

Go to Gmail’s settings and update your email signature to match your new sender name. This step helps you avoid any confusion when reaching out to people.

Choosing a professional profile picture

Make sure your profile picture reflects your professional identity. Choose a high-quality, clear image that represents you well. You can ask a trusted colleague to choose from several photos if you have them.

From your Gmail sender name to your signature, aim for cohesion in your entire email identity. Particularly if you use email for business purposes, these details are part of who you are at work – and they help you build trust and rapport in your industry.