Facebook: My Real Name

December 11, 2008 by Annie

Note: I’ve added an update showing the new tool Facebook has added to address this!

A few weeks back I wondered whether to add my maiden name to Facebook.

I decided go ahead and do it, and since then I found a few other friends from my childhood, and I didn’t have to explain who I was.

realnameI’ve used my married name for almost exactly as long as I used my maiden name, having been married at age 22 over 22 years ago. Still, it’s funny how it felt so odd to have my maiden name out there!

So I dropped it. With groups for my high school and elementary school classes, pretty much anyone who I knew as a kid can find me even without the maiden name.

I feel like myself again.

Comments are closed.
  • http://www.robblatt.com Rob Blatt

    I grew a beard to avoid people I knew 10 years ago recognizing me. Well, it’s not the only reason I did it, but it sure helped. But then again, I try to not be found.

    • Annie Boccio

      I’m not sure why I want to be found. Maybe it’s a nostalgia thing. I certainly didn’t really care about being found when I was in my 20s and 30s.

  • http://theambershow.net amber of theambershow

    It is entirely proper to put your maiden name in parentheses when you are not using it but still would like to acknowledge it. Jane (Smith) Brown. Alternatively, you could use the term “nee” to indicate that you once were and are no longer using that name. Jane (nee Smith) Brown.

    Having it hypenated indicates that you hypenated your last name upon marriage. Jane Smith-Brown.

    Having it without indicates that you are using both, with your maiden either as a middle or second last name. Jane Smith Brown. Wasn’t that what you were doing? In that case, no wonder you didn’t feel like yourself!

    I skipped all this business altogether, although I do love Mr. Rob Blatt… and his beard.

    • Annie Boccio

      Facebook does have a box to include your “former” name but it doesn’t show in your profile. I guess if someone does a search using it you’ll show up tho. Even with parentheses or “nee” (which I only see in obits!) it feels weird.

      No offense to my dad and other relatives of course ;) .

  • http://www.bluegrassmama.com Bluegrass Mama

    I added my maiden name to Facebook when a high school friend asked if I was who she thought I was. Since I do use it as my middle name, I guess it doesn’t feel too odd for me, so I’m leaving it. I’ve noticed that a lot of women have it set up that way, so I’m learning the maiden names of many friends that I’ve only known by their married names.

    • Adrienne

      How did you add your maiden name? Where?

      • http://banannie.com/blog Annie Boccio

        Click on Account, then Account Settings. Next to Name, over on the right, click on Change, and you'll see a box to add “Full Alternate Name.” Hope it helps!

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  • Shirley (Whinery) Lee

    This was interesting and helpful, but I still can't find a place where I can make the change and add my maiden name. Please advise. Thanks, Shirley Lee

    • http://banannie.com/blog Annie Boccio

      Click on Account, then Account Settings. Next to Name, over on the right, click on Change, and you'll see a box to add “Full Alternate Name.” Hope it helps!

  • http://banannie.com/blog Annie Boccio

    Click on Account, then Account Settings. Next to Name, over on the right, click on Change, and you'll see a box to add “Full Alternate Name.” Hope it helps!

  • http://banannie.com/blog Annie Boccio

    Click on Account, then Account Settings. Next to Name, over on the right, click on Change, and you'll see a box to add “Full Alternate Name.” Hope it helps!

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  • Eomerrick

    Shirley, I am not responding to your question about putting your maiden name online, but of a family matter. My mother was a half to Gladdys Louisa Waggoner Moler. I would like to make a connection with you. Are the one that a Whinery tree on Ancestry.com? I have a tree there. I am also interested in copies of Bea’s old pics. Would you be willing to share them with me? My email address is eomerrick@windstream.net. Thank you, Oleda in TX


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  • I currently blog at Just Another Distraction.

    Posts from August 2003 through March 2007 can be found at my old blog, What Struck Me.