An ASL name sign is a customized, identifying ASL sign that is used to refer to a specific person. Given by Deaf people, name signs are a topic ASL students are particularly curious about. As they study and practice ASL, they see them used in reference to other students or Deaf people.
But they often ask how a specific name sign came to be and importantly, how do they get one?
Excellent questions, with answers that are firmly embedded in Deaf culture and tradition.
ASL name signs, explained
A name sign is a sign created for someone by a Deaf person or people which then becomes part of their identity within the Deaf community. They are based in ASL but with an aspect that reflects the person: their personality, interests, what they’re known for, or parent’s intent and endearment.
But, contrary to popular belief, they do not have to “mean” something. They might, but they don’t have to.
Like spoken nicknames, sign names can be given by parents or friends and may change over time. A person may develop new name signs at different points in their lives.
What do name signs look like?
Name signs can vary widely, but many follow recognizable patterns in handshape, location and movement.
Name signs may have an initial, or not
The handshape for a name sign can contain, but are not limited to:
- The person’s first initial
- The person’s first and last initials
- Another ASL handshape (not based on initials)
Signed location
On the body, they are commonly signed:
- On the face (temple, cheek, chin)
- In front of the shoulder
- To reference hair length or texture (short, long, curly)
- Mid-sternum (where a short necklace would lay on the chest)
- In the air – a simple initial in the signing space
Signed Nuances
With sign names being customized, the actual signing (motion) involved in name signs is varied and specific. Name signs may:
- Involve taps, twists or light brushes (usually 1 or 2)
- Mimic an ASL sign, shape or classifier using the person’s initial
- Mimic an ASL sign, shape or classifier without using the person’s initial
There may be variation beyond the above, but these are the most common.
How are name signs determined?
Like when parents are naming a newborn, it all depends. It can be based on:
- Preference for what the name sign looks like
- Hobbies, interests or favorite things
- Appearance or physical feature like long hair or dimples
- A variation of a family name sign
- It simply suits them
When and where are name signs used?
There can be some confusion about when and where to use name signs. This stems from cultural differences between American Deaf culture and spoken English norms. Name signs are mainly used:
In reference to another person
When a person has an established known name sign it is used in reference to them, to those familiar. For example:
- Jen signs to husband Paul:
“[name sign for daughter Kendal], where?” - Paul explains plans to wife, Jen:
“Me go-to school, pick-up [name sign for son Shane], finish, us-two go-to eat.”
The above scenarios work when people having the conversation are familiar with the person they are referring to as well as their name and name sign.
If that’s not the case, the name sign can still be used but after more introduction to the person by stating the relationship and fingerspelling their name before the name sign. For example:
- Jen signs to a neighbor at the pool:
“My daughter, K-E-N-D-A-L [name sign for daughter Kendal], where?” - Paul explains plans to the same neighbor:
“Next weekend, me, my son S-H-A-N-E [name sign for son Shane], us-two go-to fishing.”
Once the name sign has been introduced, it can be used alone in conversations with the same person going forward.
In introductions
When you are introducing yourself or someone else to another, you use their name sign after fingerspelling it. For example:
“Hello, me name J-E-N, [name sign for Jen]”
“[points to Paul] my husband [points to Paul], name P-A-U-L, [name sign for Paul]”
When calling on/out someone
When you want to call on one specific person in a group, you can use their name sign. This is most appropriate when pointing at someone won’t be as effective. Again, this is a cultural difference. In ASL it’s not only acceptable to point at someone, it’s part of ASL in signs like you, me, him, her, they.
So, if using one of these signs would not suffice to call someone over in the schoolyard, classroom, auditorium, on a Zoom call, then you would use their name sign.
Not directly to the person the name sign references
Generally speaking, name signs are not signed directly to the person they refer to. You wouldn’t use a person’s name sign when approaching them or in an initial greeting. So what works in spoken English is awkward in ASL. For example:
This works in spoken English: “Hey, Jen, what’s up?”
But in ASL, it’s awkward.
Instead you would sign: “Hey, what’s up?”
You also wouldn’t fingerspell their name in this instance unless you weren’t sure if that was their name or you just were kidding around.
Who gives name signs?
This is a Deaf cultural point with some nuance.
Deaf people
Name signs come from Deaf people because they are part of ASL and Deaf culture.
American Sign Language (ASL) is a living language shaped by the people who use it every day. With that comes cultural practices, including how name signs are created and given.
For people learning ASL, receiving a name sign is often something that happens over time. It reflects connection, familiarity, or a shared experience within the community. In that sense, it can feel like something that is “earned,” but it’s something that evolves naturally and is given with intention and trust.
Name signs are also a natural part of Deaf cultural life. Deaf parents give name signs to their children, friends give them to each other, and they often develop organically in schools, workplaces, and social groups.
Because name signs are used within the Deaf community, they are typically created by Deaf people who understand both ASL and the cultural context behind it.
Why can’t hearing people give name signs?
Hearing people who are fluent in ASL should still not give name signs out of cultural respect.
Hearing people who do not know ASL or are not fluent should also not give them both out of cultural respect and because they may unintentionally give someone a name sign with an unintended meaning. Eek.
Exceptions
An exception can be made in the case of hearing parents of a Deaf child who are still learning ASL who might want to give their child a “placeholder” name sign until a Deaf person can work with them to develop one. A simple name sign in the air of the signing space is best.
How do you get a name sign?
Learn ASL! Spend time practicing with and learning from Deaf people. Take classes, go to Deaf events. Immerse yourself in ASL. It won’t happen quickly, but it can happen naturally over time as you invest in the Deaf community.
That said, not everyone has a name sign. I don’t, believe it or not. My name is short enough, I just spell it.
So, don’t worry about it. If you’re meant to have a name sign, one will find its way to you. Just keep signing!
Common Questions:
What if two different people have the same name sign?
One of the name signs is usually modified. Like if a P was signed in a circle near the shoulder, it might be varied to a tap instead.
Do name signs have to be someone’s initials?
Nope. They can be initials, a handshape, a full sign itself (not as common), or a variation.
Do all Deaf people have name signs?
Nope! Some Deaf people outgrow name signs from when they are younger while some have never had them, preferring to use their fingerspelled name instead.
I don’t like my name sign. Can I change it?
Sure! But the new name sign should still be given by a Deaf person.
Name signs are a meaningful part of ASL and Deaf culture.
But they are just one small part of a much larger language and community.
Focus on learning ASL, building connections, and understanding Deaf culture.
The rest will follow!
Cheers!