35 Other Ways to Say “My Name Is” (With Examples)

What Does “My Name Is” Mean?

“My name is” is the standard way to introduce yourself, stating your name directly and concisely. However, the phrase can sometimes feel overly formal or impersonal, especially in settings where a warmer, more engaging introduction might be better suited. This article provides alternatives that add a personal touch to your introduction, allowing you to convey both confidence and genuine interest in connecting with others.

When to Use “My Name Is”

Generally, “My name is” is appropriate in formal or professional settings where clarity is key. It’s a straightforward phrase, which works well for business introductions, formal events, or professional correspondence. However, in casual settings or when building a connection, you might prefer a more relaxed introduction that aligns with the tone of the conversation.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “My Name Is”?

Yes, “My name is” is both professional and polite in most circumstances. It’s direct, respectful, and unlikely to be misinterpreted. In formal or initial meetings, this phrase is widely understood as a polite way to introduce yourself. However, in more casual or personal conversations, it can feel rigid, making other phrases better suited to convey warmth or friendliness.

Pros and Cons Of “My Name Is”

Pros

• It’s especially helpful in formal introductions or when meeting someone for the first time.
• “My name is” is widely understood across cultures and languages, making it a universally acceptable way to introduce yourself.
• Using this phrase when meeting new people shows respect and consideration.

Cons

• While it’s polite, it may come off as too formal or impersonal in casual settings.
• In informal or relaxed settings, this phrase might feel overly rigid or robotic.

My Name Is Synonyms:

• “I’m Called”
• “They Call Me”
• “Known As”
• “Please Call Me”
• “I Go By”
• “Everyone Calls Me”
• “Feel Free to Call Me”
• “My Friends Call Me”
• “I Respond To”
• “I Go By the Name”
• “I’ve Been Called”
• “Some People Know Me As”
• “They Often Refer to Me As”
• “In Most Circles, I’m Known As”
• On Paper, I’m”
• “If You’re Looking for Me, I’m”
• “People Know Me As”
• “I’m Often Called”
• “Folks Call Me”
• “I Answer To”
• “You Can Call Me”
• “Friends and Family Call Me”
• “They Used to Call Me”
• “In Professional Circles, I’m Known As”
• “My Full Name Is”
• “The Name’s”
• “My Close Friends Call Me“
• “If You Want, You Can Call Me”
• “Feel Free to Address Me As”
• “Officially, I’m”
• “The Formal Name’s”
• “For Short, You Can Call Me”
• “People Tend to Call Me”
• “On the Record, I’m”
• “Most People Know Me As”

“I’m Called”

Meaning:
This phrase simply states the name you’re known by.

Explanation:
By saying, “I’m called,” you introduce yourself informally, creating a casual tone that feels approachable and friendly.

Example:
“I’m called Sarah. It’s nice to meet you.”

Best Use:
Casual conversations, especially when meeting new people in relaxed settings.

Worst Use:
In highly professional settings, it may seem too informal.

Tone:
Warm, conversational.

“They Call Me”

Meaning:
Emphasizes a friendly or even playful aspect of how people refer to you.

Explanation:
This phrase can convey familiarity or humor, often adding a sense of playfulness.

Example:
“They call me Jake around here, but you can call me Jacob if you prefer.”

Best Use:
Social gatherings or casual introductions.

Worst Use:
Professional meetings or formal introductions.

Tone:
Friendly, slightly informal.

“Known As”

Meaning:
Indicates the name people recognize you by.

Explanation:
This phrasing can add a hint of intrigue, implying a unique identity or reputation.

Example:
“Known as Riley in my circle, but feel free to use my full name, Riley-Anne.”

Best Use:
Creative or informal settings.

Worst Use:
Traditional corporate introductions, as can seem vague.

Tone:
Casual, engaging.

“Please Call Me”

Meaning:
Invite the listener to use the name you prefer.

Explanation:
This phrase makes the introduction feel open and approachable by encouraging familiarity.

Example:
“Please call me Jen. Jennifer feels too formal!”

Best Use:
Settings where you want to set a comfortable, friendly tone.

Worst Use:
None; it’s versatile and generally polite.

Tone:
Friendly, and inviting.

“I Go By”

Meaning:
Indicates the name you usually use.

Explanation:
This phrase allows you to introduce a nickname or chosen name easily.

Example:
“I go by Mia. My full name’s Amelia, but Mia is what most people call me.”

Best Use:
Introducing a preferred nickname.

Worst Use:
When full formal names are required.

Tone:
Light, approachable.

“Everyone Calls Me”

Meaning:
Emphasizes how you’re commonly referred to by others.

Explanation:
This phrase builds familiarity by hinting at a shared connection or common ground.

Example:
“Everyone calls me Sam, but you’re welcome to use Samantha if you like.”

Best Use:
When you want to make others feel at ease quickly.

Worst Use:
More formal interactions where first names might seem too casual.

Tone:
Welcoming, friendly.

“Feel Free to Call Me”

Meaning:
Invites the listener to use a familiar form of address.

Explanation:
This phrase balances warmth and professionalism, making it adaptable.

Example:
“Feel free to call me Dave.”

Best Use:
Networking events where a mix of professionalism and approachability is ideal.

Worst Use:
None; it’s very versatile.

Tone:
Professional, yet friendly.

“My Friends Call Me”

Meaning:
Introduces a name or nickname that friends commonly use.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys friendliness and can help others feel like they’re being invited into a closer circle.

Example:
“My friends call me Andy. Feel free to do the same.”

Best Use:
Social settings, gatherings with friends or mutual acquaintances.

Worst Use:
Formal or high-stakes professional introductions where you want to keep things serious.

Tone:
Warm, inviting.

“I Respond To”

Meaning:
Playfully state that this is the name you answer to.

Explanation:
This alternative can add a touch of humor, making it a fun way to introduce yourself in a lighthearted setting.

Example:
“I respond to James, or Jamie for short.”

Best Use:
Casual or informal events where humor is welcome.

Worst Use:
Serious or formal settings, as it may come across as too playful.

Tone:
Humorous, relaxed.

“I Go By the Name”

Meaning:
States the name you typically use in a slightly stylized way.

Explanation:
This option can sound more unique or intriguing, and useful for creative or relaxed introductions.

Example:
“I go by the name of Kyle, but you can call me Ky.”

Best Use:
Creative or informal settings where a more stylized introduction feels natural.

Worst Use:
Corporate or highly professional environments, as it can feel overly casual.

Tone:
Friendly, unique.

“I’ve Been Called”

Meaning:
A casual way to introduce a nickname or commonly used name.

Explanation:
This phrase feels conversational and open, often adding a touch of humility or humor.

Example:
“I’ve been called Liz for as long as I can remember. My full name is Elizabeth.”

Best Use:
Informal gatherings or casual meet-ups.

Worst Use:
Formal settings where introductions need to be straightforward.

Tone:
Casual, down-to-earth.

“Some People Know Me As”

Meaning:
Adds intrigue, hinting at a unique identity or side of yourself.

Explanation:
This phrase is often used to share a nickname or different identity, like an artist’s name or alias.

Example:
“Some people know me as Jules, but my full name is Julia.”

Best Use:
Creative or artistic settings, or when introducing yourself with a nickname.

Worst Use:
Traditional professional introductions, as can seem too mysterious.

Tone:
Mysterious, intriguing.

“They Often Refer to Me As”

Meaning:
Emphasizes that others use this name, adding a touch of humor.

Explanation:
This phrase is lighthearted and can help break the ice in a casual setting.

Example:
“They often refer to me as Max, short for Maximilian.”

Best Use:
Casual or humorous introductions, especially in social settings.

Worst Use
In formal or corporate introductions, where it may feel too lighthearted.

Tone:
Playful, relaxed.

“In Most Circles, I’m Known As”

Meaning:
Adds a sense of familiarity, implying the name is common among those who know you.

Explanation:
This phrase feels warm and communal, perfect for friendly or social settings.

Example:
“In most circles, I’m known as Benji, but Benjamin is my full name.”

Best Use:
Social settings or group introductions.

Worst Use:
Formal introductions, where may come across as too casual.

Tone:
Friendly, and approachable.

On Paper, I’m”

Meaning:
Introduces your formal name, especially if you go by a nickname informally.

Explanation:
This phrase adds a unique twist, making it great for introducing both your formal and casual names.

Example:
“On paper, I’m Christopher, but most people call me Chris.”

Best Use:
Settings where you’d like to introduce a formal name but also feel comfortable sharing a casual one.

Worst Use:
Highly formal introductions, as they may seem too informal.

Tone:
Unique, personable.

“If You’re Looking for Me, I’m”

Meaning:
Playfully introduce your name in a conversational tone.

Explanation:
This option adds a sense of humor and helps break the ice, useful in relaxed or informal conversations.

Example:
“If you’re looking for me, I’m Robert, but most just say, Rob.”

Best Use:
Casual settings, friendly meet-ups, or team introductions.

Worst Use:
Business or professional events, as it may sound overly informal.

Tone:
Lighthearted, playful.

“People Know Me As”

Meaning:
Introduces the name you’re commonly recognized by.

Explanation:
This phrase hints at familiarity, ideal for making others feel welcome.

Example:
“People know me as Lena, but my full name’s Helena.”

Best Use:
Casual or friendly gatherings, particularly when easing into a new group.

Worst Use:
Formal introductions, where it might feel too casual.

Tone:
Warm, friendly.

“I’m Often Called…”

Meaning:
Indicates a name you are regularly called, with a friendly undertone.

Explanation:
This phrase is great for introducing a nickname more conversationally.

Example:
“I’m often called Mike. My full name is Michael.”

Best Use:
Informal or social settings.

Worst Use:
High-level professional settings, where directness may be preferred.

Tone:
Conversational, relaxed.

“Folks Call Me”

Meaning:
Add a sense of familiarity and friendliness to your introduction.

Explanation:
This phrase is charmingly informal, often adding a bit of character to your introduction.

Example:
“Folks call me Danny, short for Daniel.”

Best Use:
Casual or friendly settings.

Worst Use:
Corporate or formal settings.

Tone:
Friendly, down-to-earth.

“I Answer To”

Meaning:
Implies humorously that you respond to this name.

Explanation:
This phrase is great for adding a humorous tone and helps to create an easy-going introduction.

Example:
“I answer to AJ, but my full name’s Alexander James.”

Best Use:
Casual settings where humor is welcome.

Worst Use:
Strictly professional introductions.

Tone:
Lighthearted, humorous.

“You Can Call Me”

Meaning:
Politely invites others to use a specific name or nickname.

Explanation:
This phrase is friendly and shows that you’re open to being addressed in a way that feels comfortable to others.

Example:
“You can call me Ali. It’s short for Alison.”

Best Use:
Informal or relaxed professional settings where approachability is key.

Worst Use:
Highly formal situations, as it can seem too casual.

Tone:
Friendly, and approachable.

“Friends and Family Call Me”

Meaning:
Introduces a name that close contacts use, adding a personal touch.

Explanation:
This phrase is warm and inclusive, subtly inviting others to see you as approachable.

Example:
“Friends and family call me Lulu, but my full name is Louisa.”

Best Use:
Friendly, social gatherings where warmth is valued.

Worst Use:
Strictly professional settings, as it can come across as overly personal.

Tone:
Warm, welcoming.

“They Used to Call Me”

Meaning:
A lighthearted way to introduce an old nickname or past identity.

Explanation:
This phrase can add a bit of humor, ideal for casual conversations with a nostalgic touch.

Example:
“They used to call me Speedy back in high school, but you can just call me Paul.”

Best Use:
Informal gatherings or when reconnecting with people.

Worst Use:
Formal introductions where consistency and clarity are needed.

Tone:
Playful, nostalgic.

“In Professional Circles, I’m Known As”

Meaning:
Indicates the name you go by professionally.

Explanation:
This phrase is formal, making it suitable for business or networking events.

Example:
“In professional circles, I’m known as Dr. Harris, but feel free to call me Michelle.”

Best Use:
Formal or business settings where titles or professional introductions are needed.

Worst Use:
Casual settings, as it can seem too formal.

Tone:
Professional, polished.

“My Full Name Is”

Meaning:
Clearly states your full name, often as a lead-in to a preferred name or nickname.

Explanation:
This phrase is versatile, allowing you to introduce both your full name and any preferred shorter version.

Example:
“My full name is Benjamin Alexander, but everyone calls me Ben.”

Best Use:
Professional and formal settings where clarity is key.

Worst Use:
None; it’s universally polite and professional.

Tone:
Clear, professional.

“The Name’s”

Meaning:
A casual way of introducing yourself with a touch of personality.

Explanation:
This phrase is conversational and can feel slightly playful, adding charm to your introduction.

Example:
“The name’s Leo. Just Leo.”

Best Use:
Friendly introductions where you want to show a bit of personality.

Worst Use:
Very formal or business introductions, where it may feel too informal.

Tone:
Playful, approachable.

“My Close Friends Call Me”

Meaning:
Introduces a name or nickname that only close friends use, suggesting openness.

Explanation:
This warm phrase creates a sense of connection by inviting others to use a friendly nickname.

Example:
“My close friends call me Jo. Feel free to do the same!”

Best Use:
Casual, friendly environments.

Worst Use:
Formal settings where familiarity might be out of place.

Tone:
Friendly, and inviting.

“If You Want, You Can Call Me”

Meaning:
Invites others to use a familiar name or nickname.

Explanation:
This phrase is flexible and shows that you’re approachable and open.

Example:
“If you want, you can call me Cam. It’s short for Cameron.”

Best Use:
Networking events, casual gatherings, or team introductions.

Worst Use:
High-stakes professional settings, as it may seem overly casual.

Tone:
Welcoming, flexible.

“Feel Free to Address Me As”

Meaning:
Politely offers a preferred way to be addressed.

Explanation:
This phrase is respectful and slightly formal, making it versatile for various settings.

Example:
“Feel free to address me as Tom. My full name is Thomas.”

Best Use:
Professional or semi-formal settings where warmth and respect are balanced.

Worst Use:
In informal social settings, it can feel too formal.

Tone:
Respectful, versatile.

“Officially, I’m”

Meaning:
Introduce your formal or legal name.

Explanation:
This phrase can work well when clarifying a legal or full name, adding professionalism.

Example:
“Officially, I’m Catherine Smith, but please call me Cate.”

Best Use:
Professional introductions where formality is expected.

Worst Use:
Casual settings, as it may seem too formal.

Tone:
Formal, respectful.

“The Formal Name’s”

Meaning:
Introduce a formal name before mentioning a preferred name.

Explanation:
This phrase is a friendly way to state your full name while inviting a more casual nickname.

Example:
“The formal name’s Alexander, but please, call me Alex.”

Best Use:
Business casual environments where you want to balance professionalism with friendliness.

Worst Use:
Strictly formal settings, where more direct introductions may be preferred.

Tone:
Friendly, polite.

“For Short, You Can Call Me”

Meaning:
Introduces a shortened version of your name.

Explanation:
This phrase is approachable and shows that you’re open to being addressed informally.

Example:
“For short, you can call me Izzy.”

Best Use: Social or relaxed professional settings.

Worst Use:
Highly formal occasions where full names are expected.

Tone:
Friendly, concise.

“People Tend to Call Me”

Meaning:
Casual way of stating a commonly used name or nickname.

Explanation:
This phrase has a conversational tone, making it ideal for casual interactions.

Example:
“People tend to call me RJ, but my full name is Robert James.”

Best Use:
Casual settings where you’re meeting new people.

Worst Use:
Formal or serious introductions.

Tone:
Relaxed, conversational.

“On the Record, I’m”

Meaning:
Playfully introduce your official or full name.

Explanation:
This phrase can add a humorous twist to a formal name introduction, keeping it light-hearted.

Example:
“On the record, I’m Margaret, but feel free to call me Maggie.”

Best Use:
Friendly environments or team introductions.

Worst Use:
Formal business introductions, as they may sound too playful.

Tone:
Playful, slightly formal.

“Most People Know Me As”

Meaning:
Introduces a name that most people use for you.

Explanation:
This phrase feels approachable, implying familiarity and openness.

Example:
“Most people know me as Eddie, though my full name is Edward.”

Best Use:
Any setting where approachability is appreciated.

Worst Use:
None; it’s versatile and polite.

Tone:
Warm, approachable.

Conclusion: