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      How to Add a Preferred Name, Title (Prefix), Suffix, and Credentials to Your Profile

      This article explains what each field is, how it works, and where it appears.

      Tradewing allows you to customize your profile to better reflect your identity. You can add a Preferred Name, Title (Prefix), Suffix, and Credentials to your profile. These will appear across the platform in posts, messages, directories, event badges, and more.

      What Each Field Means

      Field Purpose
      Prefix (Title) A title before your name, such as Dr., Ms., or Prof.
      First Name / Last Name Your legal name. These fields are always required.
      Suffix A title after your name, such as Jr., Sr., or III.
      Preferred Name A name you prefer to go by instead of your legal name.
      Credentials Academic or professional designations such as PhD, CPA, RN.
       

       

      Note: All fields are optional except First and Last Name. You may fill in only what you want displayed.

       

      How Your Name Will Appear

      Preferred Name

      If you enter a preferred name and allow others to see it, it will replace your first and last name in most areas of the site.

      Example:

      • Legal Name: Catherine Smith

      • Preferred Name: Cat

      • Result: Appears as Cat across the platform (if visible to “anyone”)

      Prefix, Suffix, and Credentials

      These appear in formal contexts such as directories, profile pages, and event badges.

      Example:

      • Prefix: Dr.

      • First Name: Mary

      • Last Name: Ramirez

      • Suffix: III

      • Credentials: MD

      • Result: Dr. Mary Ramirez III, MD

      Who Can See Your Preferred Name

      Privacy Option Who Can See It
      Anyone Everyone on the platform
      Members Only users logged in as members
      Logged-in users Only users who are signed in
      Private Only you and admins (hidden from public view)
       

      If set to Private, the platform will use your First + Last Name instead.

      Examples of How It Works

      Situation What You'll See
      Preferred name is set to “anyone” It appears throughout the site
      Prefix and suffix are provided Full name appears as “Dr. John Doe Jr.”
      Preferred name is private Defaults to legal name
      Multiple credentials are added Name shows as “Alex Chang, PhD, MPH”
       

      How to Add or Edit These Fields

      1. Select your profile icon located in the upper left corner of the screen, then choose the option "Edit your Profile."

       

      2. Click Edit.

       

       

      3. Update the following fields:

        • Prefix

        • First Name / Last Name

        • Suffix

        • Preferred Name

        • Preferred Name Privacy

        • Credentials

       

      4. Click Save

      Where Your Name Appears

      • Community posts and comments

      • Direct and private messages

      • Event registration lists and badges

      • Member directory

      • Profile cards and popups

      Additional Notes

      • You can enter multiple credentials (e.g., “MD, PhD”), and they’ll appear in that order.

      • Preferred name must be 50 characters or fewer and appropriate for public view.

      • If no preferred name is entered or visible, your First + Last Name will be used.

      • Updates take effect across the platform immediately.

      Need Help?

      If you have questions or need help updating your profile, contact our support team at support@tradewing.com.