Hearing Loss/Deafness Sign Language Name Signs in the Deaf Community A Unique Identifier That Reflects How Deaf People Perceive You By Jamie Berke Jamie Berke Facebook Jamie Berke is a deafness and hard of hearing expert. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 19, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Carew, MD Medically reviewed by John Carew, MD LinkedIn Twitter John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. He is an adjunct assistant professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center and NYU Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Angela Underwood Fact checked by Angela Underwood LinkedIn Angela Underwood's extensive local, state, and federal healthcare and environmental news coverage includes 911 first-responder compensation policy to the Ciba-Geigy water contamination case in Toms River, NJ. Her additional health-related coverage includes death and dying, skin care, and autism spectrum disorder. Learn about our editorial process Print One aspect of Deaf culture is the use of unique, personal "name signs" as a way to identify someone without fully spelling out their name using American Sign Language (ASL). These names often reflect the person's character and are usually devised by someone within the Deaf community. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Types of Name Signs Just as your name was carefully chosen by your parents, so is your name sign, also called your ASL name. It can take days to months for a deaf person (or community) to assign you your special ASL name. If you have a great sense of humor or bubbly temperament, your name sign may be something like "Giggle" or "Sunshine." Your name sign may signify an interest or your occupation, like "Dance" or "Writer," or it may be characteristic of a physical feature, like "Curly hair" or "Beard." There really is no limit or boundaries when it comes to receiving an ASL name. That said, while many name signs provide a window into a person's personality or interests, others are more simple. For example, some people's name sign is the first letter of their name, like "C" for Caitlin or "J" for Jamie, and are called initialized name signs. Name signs are generally chosen based on a unique characteristic, such as a personality trait or favorite hobby, and are known as descriptive name signs. Some people have a combination of initialized and descriptive name signs, like the first letter of their name that is swirling like a fish for someone who is a swimmer. If you love a specific animal, like cats, your name sign may be the first letter of your birth name to then sign "cat's whiskers" on your cheek. If you enjoy birds, your name sign could be the first letter of your birth name combined with the sign for bird. Children and Name Signs Deaf children tend to come up with sign names fairly quickly, so don't be taken aback if your kid-derived name sign is humor-based, like something they found particularly funny about your appearance or personality. Try not to get offended, as choosing your name is all in good fun, and a true "sign" you are accepted by their community. Not Everyone Has One Not everyone affiliated with the Deaf community has a name sign, even if they've lived within it their entire lives. It's not a requirement and some people just prefer to use their given name. This is especially true for people with short first names, like "Pat" or "Mike." Are Deaf People Disabled? Introducing Your Sign Name Whenever you introduce yourself to someone new, you should always fingerspell your actual name first. Then, it's customary within Deaf culture to explain your background (especially how you came to be involved with the Deaf community), as well as detailing your schooling, family, and friends. Typically, people will learn your name sign through a third party and begin using it. It is not uncommon for your name sign to change as you move between social and work groups since your personality and how you are perceived is likely different in these situations. Your name sign may change if you meet a new group of friends, either because they see you differently or because someone else already has that name sign. A Word From Verywell The Deaf community has its own naming system within their native ASL language, and it's quite a gift to receive a name sign. Even more special is that your name sign is only used by deaf people—it should not be used on official documents or by people who hear. If you have a name sign, you have been welcomed into the Deaf community. So accept your ASL name and enjoy this lovely honor. Using Sign Language Classifiers Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 1 Source Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. LUTZENBERGER, H. (2018). Manual and Nonmanual Features of Name Signs in Kata Kolok and Sign Language of the Netherlands. Sign Language Studies, 18(4), 546–569. Additional Reading HandSpeak: American Sign Language Online. (n.d.). Name signs: naming custom in Deaf culture.