Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for deadname. Search instead for deadnames.
Showing definitions for deadname
SEE ALSO
Pop Culture dictionary results for deadname

deadname

American  
[ded-neym] / ˈdɛdˌneɪm /
Or dead name

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)

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

Etymology

Origin of deadname

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Compound words are on the rise in the book with deadname, pageview, fintech, allyship, babymoon and subtweet.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2022

“Being a trans person, it’s sort of hard to see your deadname all around and people can sort of easily find this information,” she said.

From Washington Post • Oct. 14, 2022

But Loewen, now 40, said her mother has come far in a short time, switching from using her deadname to “Elle,” a short version of her new middle name.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2022

“One of my friends, who is trans, had their deadname on their ID and we thought that was kind of unfair because everyone was calling them by their deadname,” the student said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 13, 2021

In 2018, she created an installation that functioned as a funeral for her deadname, complete with a grass lawn and an engraved headstone.

From New York Times • Aug. 18, 2021

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "deadname" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com