Record Name
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.
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.
In plain English
“The Record Name is the primary identifying field on a Salesforce record, like Account Name for accounts or Case Number for cases. It's the human-readable label you see for the record in lists, lookups, and search results. Every record has one.”
Worked example
Wellbrook Schools uses Salesforce as a student-tracking platform. The Student custom object's Record Name is configured as an Auto-Number with format STU-{0000} - STU-0001, STU-0002, and so on. Each new student record auto-generates the next number; the Record Name appears in lists, lookups, and search results as the student's identifier. A second custom object, Enrollment, uses a Text Record Name that's set programmatically to {StudentName} - {SchoolYear} (for example, "Sarah Chen - 2026") so enrollments are human-readable. Every record has exactly one Record Name field - the question is whether it's auto-generated or human-typed.
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
Uses text-based Account Name and auto-number Case Number, matching each object's usage patterns.
Designs custom object Record Names thoughtfully based on whether natural identifiers exist.
Treats Record Name configuration as part of data model architecture decisions.
About the Author
Dipojjal Chakrabarti is a B2C Solution Architect with 29 Salesforce certifications and over 13 years in the Salesforce ecosystem. He runs salesforcedictionary.com to help admins, developers, architects, and cert/interview candidates sharpen their fundamentals. More about Dipojjal.
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Q1. What is a Record Name?
Q2. What are the two main types?
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