Introduction
Your ORCID records shows three types of names:
- Published name: How you prefer your name to appear when credited. This is the name that appears at the top of your ORCID record. If you want to use an initial or second family name, include it in the "Published name" field.
- Name: Your given and family name(s), or the name you most commonly go by. While you are required to add a given name, you are not required to add a family name.
- Also known as: Additional names you may be known by. This can include an abbreviated first name, variants including middle name(s), former or alternate name(s), or name(s) in a different character set. You can add as many other names as needed.
To add or edit your name
1. On your ORCID record page, click on the pencil icon on the top right corner of the Names section
2. Fill out the Your given and family names section
Given names (required): Your given name, or the name you most commonly go by. If you are more widely known by your middle name, record your middle name in this name field as well; if you always use both your first and middle names together, record both in this field. Additionally, if you have only one name you should record it in this field. This field is limited to 150 characters.
Family names: Your family name, surname, or last name. This field is limited to 150 characters.
3. Add a Published name (not required)
Your published name is how you prefer your name to appear when credited. This is the name that appears at the top of your ORCID record. If you want to use an initial or second family name, include it in this field.
4. Select who can see your given, family, and published names
The default visibility for your names is "Everyone"
5. Add Also known as names by clicking on +Add another name (not required)
These are additional names you may be known by. This can include an abbreviated first name, variants including middle name(s), former or alternate name(s), or name(s) in a different character set. You can add as many other names as needed but add each name as a single item.
You can change the order of display using the six dots handle on the left side of each name. Click on the six dots then drag and drop the name.
You can also and set the visibility of each individual name. Trusted organizations and trusted individuals can also add Also known as names, and update names that they have added, if you grant them permission to add biographical information. This field is limited to 255 characters.