Firstly we use an user system with WordPress and this system give a chance for using our nicknames, login names or our First and Last names. When we add a nickname we can use this for our Display name. But linking system is different. The system uses our login names for linking and we can’t change this login name from User Options. Because of this we have to change our login name from mysql (There are some plugins but i can’t trust anymore). I tell answer to you step by step. If you want to only  show your author’s dipslay name with link Don’t use Mysql entires.

First Step: Choose a nickname;

Login to your Dashboard and edit your Personal Information. There a filed with name ‘Nickname’. Add your Nickname here and save. After save you can select your Display name with a DropDown. Choose your Nickname as Display Name and save.

Second Step: Change the Login Name From Mysql Admin;

Login to your Cpanel (maybe Plesk Panel) and Open PhpMyadmin. Find your Mysql and open it. After that choose wp_users and click on it. When the table opened you can edit your and authors info. Press the edit link and change user_login with whatever you want. That’s All. Save the info.After saving the link will change with new User Login name.

Third Step: Adding the code;

If you want to add a code to your posts, pages you can add this one-line code to your theme.  If you apply first step you will see title with author Nickname. When you add this code, the link will be like this;

<a href="author link">Author Nickname</a>

The code;

<?php the_author_posts_link(); ?>

That’s All.

Note: If you don’t apply Second Step The Permalink will be user_login name. But you change user_login name like nickname, Permalink will be your new user_login.

Have a nice day!