Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "My Name Is"

To make the sentence My name is, you will begin with "me" with your dominant hand in the D handshape pointing towards yourself. Then you will sign name by taking both hands in the horizontal U handshape and tapping your dominant fingers on your non dominant hand twice. You will finish off by finger spelling your name.

Examples Using "My Name Is" in a Sentence

1

Hello, my name is Sarah.

Sign "HELLO", then point to yourself with your index finger (D handshape). Next, tap your dominant horizontal U handshape over your non-dominant U handshape twice for "NAME", and finally fingerspell S-A-R-A-H.

2

Nice to meet you, my name is John.

After signing "NICE MEET YOU", point to your chest with your index finger. Follow this with the "NAME" sign using your intersecting U handshapes, and then clearly fingerspell J-O-H-N.

3

My name is Alex; what is your name?

Point to yourself, sign "NAME" by tapping your U handshapes together, and fingerspell A-L-E-X. Then, point to the person you are talking to and sign "NAME" again while furrowing your eyebrows to ask the question.

How to Sign "My Name Is"
To make the sentence My name is, you will begin with "me" with your dominant hand in the D handshape pointing towards yourself. Then you will sign name by taking both hands in the horizontal U handshape and tapping your dominant fingers on your non dominant hand twice. You will finish off by finger spelling your name.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase combines highly visual concepts. Pointing to yourself clearly indicates that you are the subject. The sign for "NAME" visually represents putting a signature on a line or a name tag pinned to a shirt, with the intersecting fingers showing the establishment of your identity.
Signing Tips
When signing "My name is," pacing is key. Make sure to establish the "ME" and "NAME" signs clearly before you start fingerspelling. When you transition to fingerspelling your name, keep your hand steady in one place, right around shoulder height. Keep the U handshapes for "NAME" horizontal, forming a cross or "X" shape when they tap together.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is rushing the transition between the sign for "NAME" and fingerspelling your actual name, which can confuse the person watching. Another frequent error is bouncing the hand while fingerspelling, making the letters hard to read. Finally, make sure you tap the U handshapes twice for "NAME"; tapping only once changes the meaning to the verb "to name" or "called."
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "My Name Is" in a Sentence
1

Hello, my name is Sarah.

Sign "HELLO", then point to yourself with your index finger (D handshape). Next, tap your dominant horizontal U handshape over your non-dominant U handshape twice for "NAME", and finally fingerspell S-A-R-A-H.

2

Nice to meet you, my name is John.

After signing "NICE MEET YOU", point to your chest with your index finger. Follow this with the "NAME" sign using your intersecting U handshapes, and then clearly fingerspell J-O-H-N.

3

My name is Alex; what is your name?

Point to yourself, sign "NAME" by tapping your U handshapes together, and fingerspell A-L-E-X. Then, point to the person you are talking to and sign "NAME" again while furrowing your eyebrows to ask the question.

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

No, you do not need to sign 'is.' ASL does not use 'to be' verbs like 'is,' 'am,' or 'are.' Simply pointing to yourself, signing 'NAME,' and fingerspelling your name perfectly conveys the entire sentence.

Should I use my right or left hand?

Always use your dominant hand for the pointing sign ('ME') and for the active, tapping hand in the 'NAME' sign. You will also use your dominant hand to fingerspell your name. Keep your non-dominant hand still as the base for 'NAME.'

Why do I point to myself instead of using the flat hand for 'my'?

While you can use a flat palm to sign 'MY,' pointing to yourself (meaning 'I' or 'ME') is also very common and perfectly acceptable in ASL to introduce yourself. It translates conceptually to 'I am named...'

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