How to Sign "Kendall"

To sign the name Kendall, you will fingerspell it using the ASL alphabet: K-E-N-D-A-L-L. Keep your hand steady at about shoulder height with your palm facing forward. Form each letter clearly, and for the double 'L' at the end, either bounce the 'L' handshape slightly or slide it a bit to the outside to show the letter is repeated.

Examples Using "Kendall" in a Sentence

1

Kendall is my sister.

Sign 'MY SISTER NAME' and then fingerspell K-E-N-D-A-L-L to clearly establish who you are talking about.

2

I saw Kendall at the store.

Sign 'I SEE K-E-N-D-A-L-L STORE', making sure to fingerspell the name clearly before moving on to the rest of the sentence.

3

Is Kendall here?

Fingerspell K-E-N-D-A-L-L, then sign 'HERE', making sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Kendall"
To sign the name Kendall, you will fingerspell it using the ASL alphabet: K-E-N-D-A-L-L. Keep your hand steady at about shoulder height with your palm facing forward. Form each letter clearly, and for the double 'L' at the end, either bounce the 'L' handshape slightly or slide it a bit to the outside to show the letter is repeated.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In American Sign Language, proper names of people, places, or brands are typically fingerspelled using the manual alphabet. While an individual named Kendall might receive a culturally bestowed 'name sign' from the Deaf community, the standard way to introduce or refer to the name is by fingerspelling it.
Signing Tips
When fingerspelling names, keep your hand in a consistent location, known as the 'sightline,' which is usually just below your shoulder. Avoid 'punching' the letters forward or bouncing your hand with each letter. For the double 'L' in Kendall, a smooth, slight slide outward is the most natural way to show the repeated letter.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often try to fingerspell too quickly, causing the letters to blur together. Another common mistake is moving the whole arm or bouncing the hand for every single letter. Remember to keep your arm relaxed and steady, letting your fingers do the work to form K-E-N-D-A-L-L clearly.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Kendall" in a Sentence
1

Kendall is my sister.

Sign 'MY SISTER NAME' and then fingerspell K-E-N-D-A-L-L to clearly establish who you are talking about.

2

I saw Kendall at the store.

Sign 'I SEE K-E-N-D-A-L-L STORE', making sure to fingerspell the name clearly before moving on to the rest of the sentence.

3

Is Kendall here?

Fingerspell K-E-N-D-A-L-L, then sign 'HERE', making sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to fingerspell Kendall?

Yes, unless you are referring to a specific person who has been given a unique name sign by the Deaf community. Otherwise, fingerspelling is the standard way to express proper names in ASL.

How do I show the double 'L' at the end of the name?

To indicate a double letter like 'L', you can either bounce the handshape slightly or slide your hand a few inches to the outside (to the right if you are right-handed) while holding the 'L' shape.

Where should my hand be when fingerspelling?

Keep your hand at a comfortable height, roughly near your shoulder or upper chest. Your palm should face outward toward the person you are signing to, and your arm should remain relaxed.

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