Head-to-head · October 2026
BuddyPress Real Names vs First name Last name
BuddyPress Real Names comes out ahead, winning 6 of 6 head-to-head checks against First name Last name.
BuddyPress Real Names
BuddyPress Real Names allows you to change the regular nickname displayed for a user to anything you want…
First name Last name
This plugin simply adds the fields for First name and Last name to the Registration form.
| Metric | BuddyPress Real Names | First name Last name |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 30+ | 10+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 86 | 68 |
| Download trend | +14.7% | +11.5% |
| Rating | 3/5 | — |
| Reviews | 1 | 0 |
| Health score | 33/100 | 23/100 |
| Last updated | 14 years ago | 17 years ago |
| Tested up to | — | WP 2.9.2 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Nov 2009 | Mar 2010 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
BuddyPress Real NamesFirst name Last name
Choose BuddyPress Real Names if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- Small user base (30+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 13 years
Choose First name Last name if…
You prefer its feature set and workflow — it holds its own on the fundamentals.
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 16 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 2.9 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: first name last name
FAQ
BuddyPress Real Names vs First name Last name: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 13, 2026
Which is better, BuddyPress Real Names or First name Last name?
BuddyPress Real Names comes out ahead, winning 6 of 6 head-to-head checks against First name Last name. Choose BuddyPress Real Names if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is BuddyPress Real Names more popular than First name Last name?
BuddyPress Real Names is the more popular of the two with 30+ active installs, compared with 10+ for First name Last name.
Can I use BuddyPress Real Names and First name Last name together?
Both plugins cover first name and last name, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.
Are BuddyPress Real Names and First name Last name free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
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