How to Sign “Name” in ASL: Baby Sign Language Guide

“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

ASL sign for name, step 1: two H hands approaching each other
ASL sign for name, step 2: extended fingers tapped across each other in an X

Photos: Rodasmith via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

  1. Make the handshapes: Extend the index and middle fingers of both hands, other fingers closed.
  2. Position them: Hold one pair of fingers steady; bring the other pair above it.
  3. 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

ASL sign for name, step 1: two H hands approaching each other
Step 1: Extend the first two fingers of each hand.
ASL sign for name, step 2: extended fingers tapped across each other in an X
Step 2: Tap one pair of fingers down across the other, making an X.

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.