Combo name signs are not encouraged in (traditional) Deaf Culture. While there are many Deaf (and ASL teachers) who still give out combined name signs, this is not reflective of the classic (golden days) of Deaf society nor the emerging resurgence of respect for classic/traditional ASL.
A native Deaf signer sent the following:
A "combo name sign" is describing a person's physical feature or personality with a handshape corresponding to the first letter of person's name. For example:
Paul "P" as in sign for laugh: the handshape P. On side of the mouth as if you're signing laugh. (That's a combined sign and a no-no)
Laura "L" as in having long eyelashes: the handshape L in a sweeping motion near the eye. (Combined)
Bev "B" as in "happy". (Combined)
Instead stick to either descriptive namesigns WITHOUT the manual alphabet letter, (for example, it's ok to use a bent 5:HS as a name sign for Missy who has curly hair),
OR
Stick to arbitrary with the first letter of person's name without meaning (for example- the letter N-shaken in space in front of the signer. )
Many native Deaf are particularly sensitive to combined signs. The use of combo namesigns is like saying that ASL language rules are insignificant and/or that the person is "hearing minded." (Not familiar with the way Deaf do things.)