How to say “My name is…” in ASL

MY NAME2 signsH handshape

1. MY: Place a flat hand, palm in, on your chest.
2. NAME: Hold up both hands in the H handshape (index and middle fingers together, pointing sideways), then tap the middle finger of your dominant hand across the index finger of the other hand twice, so the fingers make an X.
3. your name, fingerspelled: Spell your name with your dominant hand, held up near your shoulder.

ASL leaves out "is": MY NAME, then your name, fingerspelled. Names are the most common thing people fingerspell, so this is where the alphabet earns its keep. Once you know someone, they may give you a name sign, but you introduce yourself by spelling.

A written description can't show movement and expression the way a signer can, and signs vary by region. Learn signs from Deaf teachers and signers; this site checks fingerspelling, the handshapes of the alphabet.

1. 1. N
2. 2. A
3. 3. M
4. 4. E