Gmail – How to edit a person’s name in the new Gmail chat

chatgmailgmail-contacts

Previously in Gmail chat, I was just able to click on the name of a person to edit his name. Now, the name acts as a link which opens Contacts, where the editing can happen. the old way was faster. Can I edit the names the old way somehow?

For example, here Aardvark is a link, and is not directly editable.

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Best Answer

I don't think there's any way to do this directly in Gmail. More detailed instructions: Hover on the name in the chat list, then a pop-up window will appear. Click on the arrow in the lower-right corner of this window, that'll bring up the contact. You can edit the name there.

However, Google Talk will let you do this. Right-click on the name, and there's a "Rename" option.

Related Solutions

Gmail – Get a list of all Gmail conversations with one person across several e-mail addresses

You can use Gmail search options. In the search box, ask for something like:

from:(firstmailaddress@gmail.com OR secondmailadress@gmail.com)

Gmail – have Gmail overwrite a known email with the contact info when a name is not supplied

Currently still no, and probably never. The name that is displayed when you receive an email is the name embedded into that emails from:header. BUT there are two workarounds that I can think of, hopefully one will help you!

Use Filters

One workaround solution is to filter the email address and apply a label to it. This can help if their name is causing any confusion (eg. I have 4 people called Mike)

The Pros of using this is that it will sync across all your computers and devices.

Use a Script

There is a script called DisplayName gmail that takes the contacts name (the one you have set in your contacts list) and displays that instead of their from: name.

You will need to install tampermonkey (Chrome) or greasemonkey (Firefox) and then you can install the script DisplayName gmail (tested and working with chrome).

The cons of using a script is that its not going to work across multiple computers - you would need to install the script on each computer you use. And this also work on your phone.