Facebook requires you to use your real name for your account. In some circumstances, you may need to use an additional alias. For example, if you’ve gotten married, your old high school friends may not know to search for your new name. Facebook solves this problem by allowing you to add an alternate name to your account. It displays this alternate name in parentheses beside your real name, and makes it possible for people to find you using either identity.

How to Make a Facebook Alias in Parentheses - 43