Learning how to sign name in ASL gives your child a way to communicate before words arrive. “Name” is two finger-pairs tapping into a little X. It unlocks the most important question in a toddler’s social world: what is YOUR name?
How to Sign “Name” in ASL
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Make the handshapes: Extend the index and middle fingers of both hands, other fingers closed.
- Position them: Hold one pair of fingers steady; bring the other pair above it.
- Tap the X: Tap the top fingers down across the bottom ones, twice, forming an X shape.
The X shape is said to echo the X people once signed documents with — a name made by hand either way.
Step-by-Step Photos
Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
When to Use It With Your Child
- At introductions: “What’s the doggy’s name?” with the sign, then answer it.
- In name games: Go around the family at dinner — sign “name,” point, and say each one.
- With books: Every character has a name to ask about.
Tips for Success
- Toddlers learn their own name first — anchor the sign to that before extending it to others.
- Two index fingers tapped together counts as an early version.
- It pairs naturally with learning to point at themselves in photos.
Signs Related to “Name”
“Who” (an L-hand at the chin) usually arrives in the same season of curiosity, and “friend” (hooked index fingers) follows as social play blooms. Name signs — personalized ASL nicknames — are a cherished Deaf community tradition built on this sign.
In Deaf culture, receiving a name sign from a Deaf person is a meaningful gift — most hearing learners go years before getting one.
Learn more: National Association of the Deaf — ASL resources and advocacy from the National Association of the Deaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start teaching my baby how to sign name in ASL?
You can introduce the sign for name as early as 16–20 months. Babies understand signs before they can produce them, so start modeling it consistently and reward any attempt — even an approximation — with the item or action right away.
How long does it take for a baby to learn to sign name?
Most babies begin producing a recognizable version of the sign for name within two to four weeks of consistent daily modeling. Frequency matters more than perfect form at this stage — sign it every time the word comes up naturally in your routine.
Is the ASL sign for name the same in baby sign language programs?
Yes. Most baby sign language programs teach the authentic ASL sign for name. Using real ASL rather than invented gestures means your child’s signs will be understood by Deaf signers and build a foundation for learning more ASL as they grow.