Originally Posted by jillio

Well, talkers also use pronouns like "him" and "her" a lot, and the deaf have a different way to denote that. Also, keep in mind that, just like with nicknames, the sign names are not used wxcept in informal situations where everyone knows each other and recognizes the sign name. Upon introduction, or in a group that is not close to that person, the name would still be fingerspelled. It can be based on what kind of person, but not always. For instance I have Deaf friend Patrick whose name sign is a "P" being swung like a golf club because he is a golfer. My son adopted the "P" being shaken as in "purple" because his favorite color is purple. He gave one of his cousins the name sign "D" being swung across the non-donminant forearm as in "music" because he is a musician.