diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/models.py b/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/models.py
index 02a865d4f0..063a501096 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/models.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/models.py
@@ -398,10 +398,10 @@ class PhotoVerification(IDVerificationAttempt):
             they uploaded are good. Note that we don't actually do a submission
             anywhere yet.
         """
-        # At any point prior to this, they can change their names via their
-        # student dashboard. But at this point, we lock the value into the
-        # attempt.
-        self.name = self.user.profile.name  # pylint: disable=no-member
+        # If a name is not already set via the verified_name flow,
+        # pick up the profile name at this time.
+        if not self.name:
+            self.name = self.user.profile.name  # pylint: disable=no-member
         self.status = self.STATUS.ready
         self.save()
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/tests/test_models.py b/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/tests/test_models.py
index 268b48bbc1..efc26788f7 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/tests/test_models.py
@@ -185,6 +185,20 @@ class TestPhotoVerification(TestVerificationBase, MockS3BotoMixin, ModuleStoreTe
 
         assert 'Clyde ƴ' == attempt.name
 
+    def test_name_preset(self):
+        """
+        If a name was set when creating the photo verification
+        (from name affirmation / verified name flow) it should not
+        be overwritten by the profile name
+        """
+        user = UserFactory.create()
+        user.profile.name = "Profile"
+
+        preset_attempt = SoftwareSecurePhotoVerification(user=user)
+        preset_attempt.name = "Preset"
+        preset_attempt.mark_ready()
+        assert "Preset" == preset_attempt.name
+
     def test_submissions(self):
         """Test that we set our status correctly after a submission."""
         # Basic case, things go well.