Definition
The primary identifying field on a Salesforce record (like Account Name, Case Number, or a custom auto-number field) that serves as the human-readable label for the record in lists, lookups, and search results.
Real-World Example
At their company, a Salesforce administrator at Coastal Health leverages Record Name to maintain data quality and enforce organizational policies across the platform. By properly setting up Record Name, they prevent common data entry errors and ensure that users follow established business processes, which saves the support team hours of cleanup work each week.
Why Record Name Matters
The Record Name is the primary identifying field on a Salesforce record (like Account Name, Case Number, or a custom auto-number field) that serves as the human-readable label for the record in lists, lookups, and search results. Every object has one Record Name field, which can be either a text field (requires user input) or an auto-number field (generates sequential IDs automatically).
Record Name configuration is a foundational data model decision because it affects how users identify records everywhere. Text-based names (like Account Name) are useful when there's a natural identifier. Auto-number names (like Case Number CAS-0001234) are useful when there isn't a natural identifier or when sequential numbering adds value. Mature data models choose thoughtfully between these options based on how the object will be used.
How Organizations Use Record Name
- •BrightEdge Solutions — Uses text-based Account Name and auto-number Case Number, matching each object's usage patterns.
- •NovaScale — Designs custom object Record Names thoughtfully based on whether natural identifiers exist.
- •Cobalt Ventures — Treats Record Name configuration as part of data model architecture decisions.