What is a Local Name?

Local Name fields hold name information in local scripts alongside standard Latin-script name fields.

When are Local Names valuable?

Local Names support multi-script business contexts where transliteration alone loses information.

What objects support Local Name fields?

Local Names are supported on common business objects like accounts, contacts, and leads.

Local Name

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Definition

In Salesforce internationalization, an alternate name for an account, contact, or lead stored in a local language or script. It's used in regions where records may need to display names in both standard and local formats.

Real-World Example

Consider a scenario where a CRM manager at Summit Group is working with Local Name to centralize important business data in one place. With Local Name configured to match their workflow, the team can quickly find relevant information, track changes over time, and generate reports that drive strategic decisions.

Why Local Name Matters

In Salesforce internationalization, a Local Name is an alternate name field for accounts, contacts, or leads stored in a local language or script. Standard name fields hold the primary form (typically Latin alphabet for English-speaking orgs), while Local Name fields hold the same information in a local script like Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, or other languages. This dual-name approach is essential in regions where business is conducted in multiple scripts.

Local Name fields are particularly valuable in Asia-Pacific markets where Japanese, Chinese, and Korean characters are standard for business names. Without Local Name fields, organizations would either lose information by transliterating to Latin script or maintain two separate records. With them, the same record holds both forms, supporting users who work in either script. Configuration involves enabling the local name feature in Setup and choosing which objects need local names.

How Organizations Use Local Name

•Vertex Global — Operates in Japan and China and uses Local Name fields on Account and Contact records to maintain both Latin and local-script versions of names.
•NovaScale — Enabled local names for their APAC region so customer-facing communications can use the appropriate form for each customer's preference.
•Coastal Health — Uses local names for patient records in regions where multiple scripts are common, ensuring records can be accurately retrieved and displayed.