Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Hello My Name Is"

To sign 'hello my name is', you will combine three signs: 'hello', 'my', and 'name'. Start with 'hello' by bringing your flat dominant hand to your forehead and moving it outward like a small salute. Next, sign 'my' by placing your flat dominant hand flat against your chest. Finally, sign 'name' by extending the index and middle fingers of both hands. Tap your dominant fingers crosswise over your non-dominant fingers twice. Note that the word 'is' is not signed in ASL.

Examples Using "Hello My Name Is" in a Sentence

1

Hello, my name is Sarah.

To introduce yourself, sign the phrase 'HELLO MY NAME' as described, and then immediately fingerspell S-A-R-A-H using the ASL alphabet.

2

Hello, my name is John. Nice to meet you.

Sign 'HELLO MY NAME', fingerspell J-O-H-N, and follow up with the signs for 'NICE', 'MEET', and 'YOU' to complete a polite introduction.

3

Hello, my name is Alex. What is your name?

Sign 'HELLO MY NAME', fingerspell A-L-E-X, and then ask for their name by signing 'YOUR NAME WHAT?' while furrowing your eyebrows.

How to Sign "Hello My Name Is"
To sign 'hello my name is', you will combine three signs: 'hello', 'my', and 'name'. Start with 'hello' by bringing your flat dominant hand to your forehead and moving it outward like a small salute. Next, sign 'my' by placing your flat dominant hand flat against your chest. Finally, sign 'name' by extending the index and middle fingers of both hands. Tap your dominant fingers crosswise over your non-dominant fingers twice. Note that the word 'is' is not signed in ASL.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'hello' visually resembles a traditional, friendly salute. The sign for 'my' uses the flat hand against the chest, which is the standard ASL marker for personal possession. The sign for 'name' uses intersecting fingers, which is thought to historically represent putting a signature on a document or marking an 'X'.
Signing Tips
Keep a warm and friendly facial expression, as introductions are all about making a good first impression. When transitioning from signing 'name' to fingerspelling your actual name, a very brief pause helps the viewer recognize that you are about to start spelling.
Common Mistakes
A frequent beginner mistake is trying to sign the English word 'is'. In ASL, 'to be' verbs like 'is' are omitted in this context. Another common error is pointing to your chest with an index finger for 'my'; pointing means 'I' or 'me', whereas a flat hand indicates possession ('my').
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Hello My Name Is" in a Sentence
1

Hello, my name is Sarah.

To introduce yourself, sign the phrase 'HELLO MY NAME' as described, and then immediately fingerspell S-A-R-A-H using the ASL alphabet.

2

Hello, my name is John. Nice to meet you.

Sign 'HELLO MY NAME', fingerspell J-O-H-N, and follow up with the signs for 'NICE', 'MEET', and 'YOU' to complete a polite introduction.

3

Hello, my name is Alex. What is your name?

Sign 'HELLO MY NAME', fingerspell A-L-E-X, and then ask for their name by signing 'YOUR NAME WHAT?' while furrowing your eyebrows.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the word 'is'?

No, you do not. ASL has its own grammar rules and typically drops 'to be' verbs like 'is', 'am', and 'are'. You simply sign 'HELLO MY NAME' and then fingerspell your name.

Should I point to myself for the word 'my'?

You should use a flat hand pressed against your chest for 'my'. If you point with your index finger, you are signing 'I' or 'me', which changes the meaning from 'my name' to 'I name'.

How do I say my actual name after this phrase?

Immediately after tapping your fingers for the sign 'name', you will use the ASL manual alphabet to fingerspell the letters of your name.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!