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

In the lawsuit, Rasmussen alleged co-workers had used homophobic slurs during a diversity training, intentionally used her deadname and showed before-and-after photos of herself around the office.

From Seattle Times

Inaccurate identification of the victims as their sex assigned at birth or by a deadname further complicates the reporting process.

From Salon

One candidate was disqualified for failing to do so; another saw her campaign challenged; a third campaign faced a disqualification hearing; and Mr. Faber was directed to run under his deadname, a term that transgender people use for a birth name that they no longer use.

From New York Times

The Stark County Board of Elections said in a statement Friday that it stands by its decision to disqualify Vanessa Joy, a real estate photographer from Massillon, Ohio, because she did not put a name that no longer aligns with her gender identity — also referred to as a deadname — on the petitions used to gather signatures to get on the ballot.

From Seattle Times

Faber is running with his deadname on the ballot.

From Seattle Times