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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "What Is Your Name"

This is a three-part sentence. The first sign is “name” you will take both your hands in the “h” handshape with your palms facing inward. You will put your dominant fingers on top of your non dominant where you will tap your dominant hand twice. The second sign is “your” you will take your dominant hand in your closed 5 handshape and point it with your palms facing out towards the person you are asking. The third sign is “what” you will take both your hands in the closed 5 handshape with your palms facing up. Then your will alternate them moving back and forth while having your eyebrows down.

Examples Using "What Is Your Name" in a Sentence

1

Hello, what is your name?

Start with a friendly wave for 'hello,' then transition smoothly into the sequence: sign 'name' by tapping your 'H' hands, push your flat palm forward for 'your,' and shake your open palms with furrowed eyebrows for 'what.'

2

Nice to meet you. What is your name?

After signing 'nice to meet you,' pause slightly to indicate a new sentence. Then, execute the sequence: 'name,' 'your,' and finally 'what,' making sure to drop your eyebrows on 'what' to show it is a question.

3

My name is John. What is your name?

First, point to yourself, sign 'name,' and fingerspell your name. Then, direct your attention to the other person, signing 'name,' pushing your flat palm toward them for 'your,' and finishing with the 'what' sign and furrowed brows.

How to Sign "What Is Your Name"
This is a three-part sentence. The first sign is “name” you will take both your hands in the “h” handshape with your palms facing inward. You will put your dominant fingers on top of your non dominant where you will tap your dominant hand twice. The second sign is “your” you will take your dominant hand in your closed 5 handshape and point it with your palms facing out towards the person you are asking. The third sign is “what” you will take both your hands in the closed 5 handshape with your palms facing up. Then your will alternate them moving back and forth while having your eyebrows down.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The phrase 'what is your name' combines three highly visual signs. 'Name' uses the 'H' handshapes intersecting, which historically represents putting a signature on a document or the intersecting lines of a written signature. 'Your' uses a flat palm pushing toward the person, visually indicating possession directed at them. Finally, 'what' uses open, questioning hands shaking slightly, a natural human gesture for inquiring or asking for information.
Signing Tips
When asking 'what is your name,' the most crucial element is your facial expression. Because this is a 'wh-' question, ASL grammar requires you to furrow your eyebrows (pull them down and together) during the sign for 'what.' Also, keep your movements smooth and fluid as you transition between the three signs. You do not need to rush; clarity is much more important than speed for beginners.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is keeping a neutral facial expression or raising their eyebrows instead of furrowing them. Raising eyebrows is for yes/no questions, while furrowing them is for 'wh-' questions like 'what.' Another common error is using a pointing index finger for 'your' instead of the flat, closed 5 handshape, which accidentally changes the meaning from 'your' to 'you.'
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "What Is Your Name" in a Sentence
1

Hello, what is your name?

Start with a friendly wave for 'hello,' then transition smoothly into the sequence: sign 'name' by tapping your 'H' hands, push your flat palm forward for 'your,' and shake your open palms with furrowed eyebrows for 'what.'

2

Nice to meet you. What is your name?

After signing 'nice to meet you,' pause slightly to indicate a new sentence. Then, execute the sequence: 'name,' 'your,' and finally 'what,' making sure to drop your eyebrows on 'what' to show it is a question.

3

My name is John. What is your name?

First, point to yourself, sign 'name,' and fingerspell your name. Then, direct your attention to the other person, signing 'name,' pushing your flat palm toward them for 'your,' and finishing with the 'what' sign and furrowed brows.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign the words in the exact order of English?

In ASL, the grammar often places the question word at the end of the sentence. The sequence described here ('name,' 'your,' 'what') is a great way to practice the vocabulary and is widely understood. The most important part is furrowing your eyebrows at the end to indicate the question!

Why do I use a flat hand for 'your' instead of pointing?

In ASL, handshapes carry specific grammatical meanings. A flat hand (closed 5 handshape) indicates possession, meaning something belongs to someone (like 'your' name). Pointing with an index finger is a pronoun used to mean 'you.' Using the flat palm ensures you are asking about their name, not calling them a name.

Can I just sign 'your' and 'name' with a questioning face?

Yes! In conversational ASL, many signers simply sign 'your' and 'name' while furrowing their eyebrows and leaning forward slightly. The facial expression alone acts as the 'what.' However, as a beginner, practicing the full three-part sequence helps you learn the individual vocabulary words and build muscle memory.

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