How to Create a Name Sign

Name signs are given to persons using American Sign Language. Name signs identify a person in the same way that an English name identifies a person. Name signs are given by deaf and hard of hearing persons to persons who are new to the Deaf Community. Parents of deaf and hard of hearing children often create name signs for their child.

Instructions

1. Select a name sign that is either arbitrary or descriptive. Arbitrary name signs are often initalized and placed on the head or upper body. Descriptive name signs reflect a personality, characteristic or typical behavior of the person.

2. Consider the first initial of the person's name. Many names are often initialized with the first letter of a person's name or the first and last letter's of a person's name.

3. Select the location for the name sign. Common locations include forehead, nose, cheek, chin, eyes, shoulder and in front of the body.

4. Consider the gender of the person being named. Boy signs are often found in the boy region (forehead) and girl signs are found in the girl region (under the cheek).

5. Consider a unique trait of a person when developing a name sign. A child with beautiful eyes can have a name sign near the eyes. A person with wavy hair can have a name sign related to hair.

6. Obtain a name sign from a native American Sign Language user when new to the deaf community. It is considered an honor to receive a name sign from a native American Sign Language user.

Tips & Warnings

• Arbitrary name signs are more common than descriptive name signs when developed by deaf parents for a child.

• Be aware of derogatory name signs that are similar to slang names or parts of the body. When in doubt, check a sign name with a native American Sign Language user.