--- a/Allura/allura/model/repository.py
+++ b/Allura/allura/model/repository.py
@@ -375,7 +375,7 @@
 
     @LazyProperty
     def creator_name(self):
-        return self.creator.display_name or self.creator.username
+        return self.creator.get_pref('display_name') or self.creator.username
 
     @LazyProperty
     def creator_url(self):