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How Name Signs Work

A name sign is a sign used to identify a person within an ASL community. Name signs are connected to relationships, community history, and how people are known by the people around them.

Community and consent

Name signs are not generally chosen casually by an outsider. A person's community may establish or use a name sign, and the person should be comfortable with how it is used. Context matters: the same handshape or movement can have different meanings in different communities.

Descriptive and arbitrary patterns

Some name signs relate to a person's appearance, personality, interests, or a memorable event. Other name signs are more arbitrary and become meaningful through repeated community use. The important information is not just the dictionary gloss, but the person and community connected to the sign.

Learning respectfully

Learners should ask qualified Deaf or ASL educators about local conventions rather than assigning name signs to themselves or to other people. Observe how a sign is used, ask about its meaning when appropriate, and respect a person's preference.