Changing your name and pronouns on Zoom


Zoom accounts at the University of Toronto automatically draw display name information from the University’s central database (UTORauth). To change your display name on Zoom, you must change your name for all University of Toronto applications by using the Preferred Name service or by filing a Legal Name Change request. 

Setting a preferred name 

Faculty, staff, and students at the University of Toronto can set a preferred name (display first name) using the Preferred Name service.  

Your preferred name will be displayed instead of your legal first name on University applications, including Zoom, which do not require your legal name. No documentation is required to set a preferred name. However, the Preferred Name service cannot be used to change your last name (surname). A list of applications which honor preferred names can be found on the Preferred Name service page.  

To set your preferred name, follow these steps:

  1. Log onto the Preferred Name platform.
  2. Enter your preferred first name and click on "Save Preferred Name".

*Note: It may take up to 24 hours for a preferred name to take effect. 

The Preferred Name service should not be used to display your pronouns. See the section “Displaying pronouns on Zoom”, below. 

Filing a Legal Name Change 

For instructions on changing your legal name, refer to the Office of the Registrar's guide to Changing Your Name or Gender. Once your Legal Name Change form is processed, it may take up to 24 hours for the updated name to appear on Zoom.  Clear the cache for your browser.

Displaying pronouns on Zoom 

Zoom allows you to set your chosen pronouns, which are displayed following your name in Zoom meetings. Specifying your pronouns helps other members of the University community know how to refer to you. 

To set, remove, or change your pronouns on Zoom, follow these steps: 

  1. Navigate to https://utoronto.zoom.us/profile. (You may need to log in with your UTORid and password.)
  2. Click “Edit”, in the top right corner of your profile information.
  3. Enter your pronouns in the “Pronouns” field.
  4. Click “Save”, at the bottom of your profile information. 

Once they are saved, your selected pronouns will be displayed on Zoom the next time that you join a meeting. If you are currently participating in a meeting, you will need to leave and rejoin for the changes to take effect.