Deadname / Deadnaming

A deadname is the name a transgender or nonbinary person was given before transitioning and no longer uses, often the name assigned at birth. Deadnaming is the act of referring to or addressing that person by the old name instead of their chosen name. The term originated within the trans community. Deadnaming can happen by accident, but it is also used deliberately as a form of harassment or to deny a person's identity, and it can cause real emotional harm. Advocates note it can even be a safety issue by outing someone as trans. Not every trans person changes their name, but for those who do, using the correct name, and correcting yourself if you slip, is a basic act of respect.