How to Configure Profile Names in the BuddyBoss Platform

Introduction

The BuddyBoss Platform allows you to customize how member names appear throughout your community. 

You can choose between First Name, First and Last Name, or Nickname, depending on the level of formality or anonymity you want to provide.

This guide will walk you through configuring profile name settings, explaining their impact, and demonstrating how they appear on the frontend and backend of your site.

Tutorial Video

How to Configure Profile Names

Access Profile Name Settings

1. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to BuddyBoss > Settings > Profiles.
3. Scroll down to the Profile Names section.

You will see three display options:

• First Name
• First Name and Last Name
• Nickname

Each option defines how user names appear on profiles, comments, and activity feeds.

Profile Name Options

First Name

With this setting, users enter their First Name, Last Name, and Nickname, but only the First Name is displayed publicly.

How to Enable First Name Display:

1. Select First Name from the Profile Names section.
2. Click Save Settings.

3. Navigate to BuddyBoss > Profiles.
4. You will see all three fields (First Name, Last Name, and Nickname) available for users.

When a user registers or updates their profile, they will see:

• First Name (Displayed)
• Last Name (Optional or Required, depending on admin settings)
• Nickname (User’s alternative name)

First Name and Last Name

This option requires users to enter both First Name and Last Name, ensuring a more formal naming structure.

How to Enable First and Last Name Display:

1. Select First Name and Last Name from the Profile Names section.
2. Click Save Settings.

3. Navigate to BuddyBoss > Profiles.
4. All three fields (First Name, Last Name, and Nickname) will appear in the profile settings.

Nickname

The Nickname option allows users to register and display a custom name, keeping their First Name and Last Name fields hidden.

How to Enable Nickname Display:

1. Select Nickname from the Profile Names section.

2. Click Save Settings.
3. Navigate to BuddyBoss > Profiles.
4. Only the Nickname field will be available.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: Why is the Last Name field missing on the frontend?

A: Ensure First Name and Last Name are selected under BuddyBoss Settings > Profiles. If Nickname is selected, the Last Name field will not appear.

Q: Can I allow users to choose between Full Name and Nickname?

A: No, the display format is globally set by the admin. Users cannot toggle between Full Name and Nickname.

Q: I changed the Profile Name setting, but the frontend has not updated.

A: Clear your site cache and refresh the page. Changes should apply immediately.