8

I have to admit I was a little confused when I asked this question, as I thought that it was my Gmail where names and email addresses were connected.

But of course, it's not the local Gmail client that attaches a name to an email for display when receiving, it's whether or not the sender has a name attached to their email, as explained in the answer.

Okay... but, can I set Gmail up in a way so that it will replace a known email address with the name I have for them in my contacts in situations when someone sends me an email with no name set? Or, even better, over rides their name with the one I have set in any case (since I think of them by the name I have set, not what they have set)?

This is standard practise when it comes to phone numbers - when someone calls my Android phone, I see the name that I have set in my contact list. Hopefully this could be done with emails as well.

Improve this question
4
  • Did you check the user card that shows up when hovering over the email address of a message to see what shows up?
    – phwd
    Jan 19, 2012 at 3:28
  • hmm, so this does not happen in Gmail browser (Firefox, Chrome, etc) version? (Without the hover)
    – phwd
    Jan 19, 2012 at 3:45
  • Did you ever find a solution to this? I have the same problem with people that don't supply the correct info, or I know them by their nick name. I just overlooked an important email because the name displayed was . I've contacted them obviously and told them to fix it, but it would be nice if Gmail would do it for me.
    – Move More Comments Link To Top
    Aug 10, 2012 at 14:03
  • @Larry: Nope, still no solution.
    – Questioner
    Aug 10, 2012 at 17:11

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3

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.

Improve this answer
2
0

If I understand your question correctly it sounds like you need to add every person to your contacts in Gmail as well as their additional email addresses. Because i just looked and tried. When I compose and start typing in a person's name, the drop down show the closest names as well as their email addresses.

Other than that you're talking about changing a user's (your contact's) settings which you can't do. You'll need to ask them to do that.

Improve this answer
1
  • The only thing I can think of is actually add them to your contacts list and go through filling out the info. Not go by what is automatically stored. Manually go through.
    – Tremaine
    Mar 8, 2012 at 23:49

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.