deadname

or dead name

[ ded-neym ]

noun

1. the previous name of someone who has changed that name, especially the pretransition first name of a trans person.

verb (used with object)

, dead·named, dead·nam·ing.

1. to call (a person, especially a trans person) by that person’s previous name, as opposed to a chosen or preferred name.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadname¹

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

While some major academic publishers have enacted policies allowing anyone to quietly and retroactively change the name on their work, such rules regarding deadnames remain rare at major news outlets and newspapers, according to CNN.

From Digiday

About a week later, their page was restored, but with their deadname.

From Washington Blade