Introducing yourself is one of the simplest but most important communication skills in English. The phrase “My name is…” is correct, polite, and universal — but repeating it in every situation can sound predictable, overly formal, or even robotic.
In real conversations—whether you’re networking, messaging someone online, joining a meeting, or making new friends—using alternative expressions can make your introduction feel more natural, confident, and engaging.
That’s why learning different ways to say “my name is” matters. It helps you adjust your tone, personalize your introduction, and sound more fluent in a variety of situations. This guide gives you 30+ advanced, practical, human-sounding alternatives, complete with meanings, usage notes, tips, and natural examples.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use these alternatives when:
- You want to sound more casual, friendly, or conversational
- You’re introducing yourself in professional settings like interviews or events
- You’re meeting someone online or joining a virtual meeting
- You want to personalize your introduction or make a memorable first impression
- You need a phrase that sounds less repetitive or more fluent
- You’re writing emails, bios, or profile descriptions
Avoid using alternatives when:
- The situation requires strictly formal language (legal documents, official registrations)
- Clarity is more important than creativity (e.g., immigration forms, medical records)
30+ Other Ways to Say “My Name Is”
Below are 31 natural alternatives to “my name is,” each with meaning, usage, tips, and four example sentences.
1. “I’m…”
Meaning: A simple, common way to introduce yourself.
Usage: Informal conversations, everyday interactions.
Tip: Works best when the environment is relaxed.
Examples:
• I’m Sarah—nice to meet you.
• Hi, I’m David.
• I’m Mark; thanks for having me today.
• I’m Julia, and I’ll be your guide.
2. “I’m called…”
Meaning: Means “people call me.”
Usage: More common in British English.
Tip: Sounds slightly formal but still friendly.
Examples:
• I’m called Emma, by the way.
• Most people at work call me John, but I’m called Jonathan.
• I’m called Mira—what’s your name?
• I’m called Leo; nice meeting you.
3. “You can call me…”
Meaning: Tells people your preferred name or nickname.
Usage: When you go by a shorter name or informal version.
Tip: Great for international introductions.
Examples:
• My full name is Alexander, but you can call me Alex.
• I go by Eleanor, but you can call me Ellie.
• You can call me Sam—everyone does.
• If it’s easier, you can call me Ray.
4. “People know me as…”
Meaning: Indicates a common nickname or title.
Usage: Creative settings, social media, communities.
Tip: Good for personal brands.
Examples:
• People know me as Max.
• I’m Daniel, but people know me as Danny.
• People know me as “Tech Dan” online.
• In my team, people know me as the “problem solver.”
5. “I go by…”
Meaning: Your preferred everyday name.
Usage: Introductions with optional nicknames.
Tip: Sounds natural and modern.
Examples:
• I’m Patricia, but I go by Patty.
• I go by Jay.
• You may see my full name on documents, but I go by Mia.
• I go by Chris at work.
6. “My full name is…”
Meaning: You’re sharing your complete name.
Usage: Formal settings, legal or professional introductions.
Tip: Use when clarity matters.
Examples:
• My full name is Sarah Ahmed.
• My full name is Daniel Rivera, but I usually go by Dan.
• My full name is Lara Kim.
• My full name is Jacob Lee; please call me Jake.
7. “Allow me to introduce myself—I’m…”
Meaning: Polite, professional introduction.
Usage: Presentations, official meetings, interviews.
Tip: Ideal for formal writing too.
Examples:
• Allow me to introduce myself—I’m Rachel.
• Allow me to introduce myself—I’m Dr. James Patel.
• Allow me to introduce myself—I’m your new project lead.
• Allow me to introduce myself—I’m Olivia.
8. “Let me introduce myself; I’m…”
Meaning: Direct, polite self-introduction.
Usage: Business emails, corporate events.
Tip: Works well in international contexts.
Examples:
• Let me introduce myself; I’m Henry.
• Let me introduce myself; I’m your new coordinator.
• Let me introduce myself; I’m Priya from the design team.
• Let me introduce myself; I’m Mr. Collins.
9. “This is…”
Meaning: Identifies yourself when writing or calling.
Usage: Phone calls, messages, emails.
Tip: Not for face-to-face introductions.
Examples:
• Hi, this is Michael speaking.
• Just to confirm, this is Emily from HR.
• Hello, this is Tom calling about your application.
• Hey, this is Anna—did you get my email?
10. “I’m known as…”
Meaning: Indicates a commonly used name.
Usage: Artistic, creative, or social settings.
Tip: Slightly formal but flexible.
Examples:
• I’m known as Layla in the team.
• I’m known as “Mr. Fix-It” at work.
• I’m known as Matt, short for Matthew.
• Online, I’m known as SkyWriter.
11. “Most people call me…”
Meaning: States your common nickname.
Usage: Schools, workplaces, casual meetups.
Tip: Shows what you prefer to be called.
Examples:
• Most people call me Ben.
• My name is Isabella, but most people call me Bella.
• Most people call me Coach J.
• At home, most people call me Dee.
12. “Formally, I’m…, but you can call me…”
Meaning: Shares both official and preferred names.
Usage: Work profiles, introductions with mixed formality.
Tip: Great for helping others remember your name.
Examples:
• Formally, I’m Jonathan, but you can call me Jon.
• Formally I’m Samantha Lee, but you can call me Sam.
• Formally I’m Dr. Kim, but you can call me Daniel.
• Formally I’m Isabella, but everyone calls me Isa.
13. “I respond to…”
Meaning: A playful or casual way to share your name.
Usage: Friendly conversations, humor, relaxed environments.
Tip: Not recommended for formal contexts.
Examples:
• I respond to Nick.
• I respond to “Jess” or “Jessie,” whichever is easier.
• I respond to Leo—shout if you need me.
• I respond to Ava most of the time!
14. “Professionally, I’m…”
Meaning: Your formal name used in work settings.
Usage: Job applications, networking, LinkedIn.
Tip: Good when you use a different name with friends.
Examples:
• Professionally, I’m Dr. Lauren Brooks.
• Professionally, I’m Marcus Hale.
• Professionally, I’m Sarah Lee.
• Professionally, I’m David Khan.
15. “On paper, my name is…, but I go by…”
Meaning: Clarifies legal vs. common name.
Usage: International students, official documents.
Tip: Good for avoiding confusion.
Examples:
• On paper, my name is Maria Clara, but I go by Clara.
• On paper, my name is Jonathan, but I go by Nate.
• On paper, my name is Lee Ji-won, but I go by Jiwon.
• On paper, my name is Robert, but I go by Rob.
16. “My friends call me…”
Meaning: Your casual or personal nickname.
Usage: Social introductions, friendly environments.
Tip: Helps create a warm, relaxed vibe.
Examples:
• My friends call me Tia.
• My friends call me Max.
• My friends call me Kiki.
• My friends call me Jay.
17. “I introduce myself as…”
Meaning: The name you use publicly.
Usage: Events, profiles, bios.
Tip: Great for freelancers and creators.
Examples:
• I introduce myself as Nina.
• I introduce myself as Theo in English-speaking settings.
• I introduce myself as Rhea online.
• I introduce myself as Leo during workshops.
18. “I prefer to be called…”
Meaning: Your chosen name.
Usage: Respectful introductions.
Tip: Useful for formal or inclusive settings.
Examples:
• I prefer to be called Zara.
• I prefer to be called Jenny at work.
• I prefer to be called Dr. Amir.
• I prefer to be called Eli.
19. “I’m better known as…”
Meaning: Your popular name.
Usage: Creative or public roles.
Tip: Works great for influencers, educators, creators.
Examples:
• I’m better known as Coach Sam.
• I’m better known as Maddy.
• I’m better known as Jay from Finance.
• Online, I’m better known as ArtByLina.
20. “If we haven’t met before, I’m…”
Meaning: Polite, neutral introduction.
Usage: Meetings, webinars, conferences.
Tip: Sounds friendly and professional.
Examples:
• If we haven’t met before, I’m Rohan.
• If we haven’t met before, I’m Ella.
• If we haven’t met before, I’m Dr. Singh.
• If we haven’t met before, I’m Maya.
21. “I answer to…”
Meaning: Humorous way to say what people call you.
Usage: Light, playful introductions.
Tip: Not for serious settings.
Examples:
• I answer to Ben.
• I answer to Sarah—usually.
• I answer to Zoe unless I’m tired.
• I answer to Mike, but Michael works too.
22. “Everyone knows me as…”
Meaning: A widely used name.
Usage: Informal or semi-formal contexts.
Tip: Useful for large communities or workplaces.
Examples:
• Everyone knows me as Leo.
• Everyone knows me as Kris in the office.
• Everyone knows me as Dee.
• Everyone knows me as Teacher Anna.
23. “You might know me as…”
Meaning: A familiar or public nickname.
Usage: Content creators, speakers, trainers.
Tip: Great when you have multiple names.
Examples:
• You might know me as Mark from YouTube.
• You might know me as Dr. Rose.
• You might know me as Tasha online.
• You might know me as Coach Ken.
24. “I introduce myself professionally as…”
Meaning: Your official professional name.
Usage: Resumes, presentations, conferences.
Tip: Useful for establishing credibility.
Examples:
• I introduce myself professionally as Dr. Ray Collins.
• I introduce myself professionally as Lawyer Nadia Farooq.
• I introduce myself professionally as Olivia Parker.
• I introduce myself professionally as Martin Lee.
25. “Just to introduce myself, I’m…”
Meaning: Soft, polite introduction.
Usage: Emails, meetings, workshops.
Tip: Sounds respectful and clear.
Examples:
• Just to introduce myself, I’m Hannah.
• Just to introduce myself, I’m Jacob from IT.
• Just to introduce myself, I’m Nia.
• Just to introduce myself, I’m Omar.
26. “In case we haven’t met, I’m…”
Meaning: Assumes you might be new to the group.
Usage: Conferences, classrooms, teams.
Tip: Warm and approachable.
Examples:
• In case we haven’t met, I’m Ella.
• In case we haven’t met, I’m Josh.
• In case we haven’t met, I’m Priya from Marketing.
• In case we haven’t met, I’m Henry.
27. “Formally speaking, I’m…”
Meaning: Your official, legal, or professional name.
Usage: Government, corporate, academic settings.
Tip: Signals seriousness and accuracy.
Examples:
• Formally speaking, I’m Dr. Ahmed.
• Formally speaking, I’m Ms. Clara Winters.
• Formally speaking, I’m Jonathan Smith.
• Formally speaking, I’m Mr. Han.
28. “I usually introduce myself as…”
Meaning: Your typical, preferred introduction.
Usage: Mixed-formality contexts.
Tip: Good for explaining name variations.
Examples:
• I usually introduce myself as Maya.
• I usually introduce myself as Ben.
• I usually introduce myself as Laura at work.
• I usually introduce myself as Jin.
29. “I’m officially known as…”
Meaning: Legal or professional identity.
Usage: Paperwork, formal meetings.
Tip: Slightly stiff—use when required.
Examples:
• I’m officially known as Dr. Jordan.
• I’m officially known as Mary Collins.
• I’m officially known as Kevin Lee.
• I’m officially known as Sophia Brown.
30. “My given name is…”
Meaning: Your birth or legal name.
Usage: Formal conversations, multicultural settings.
Tip: Good when explaining name differences.
Examples:
• My given name is Haruto.
• My given name is Maria Elena.
• My given name is Ahmed, but I go by Adam.
• My given name is Chloe Marie.
31. “Legally, I’m…”
Meaning: Your name as written in official records.
Usage: Government forms, immigration, visas.
Tip: Use when discussing documents.
Examples:
• Legally, I’m Daniel Kim.
• Legally, I’m Sofia Garcia.
• Legally, I’m James Patel.
• Legally, I’m Ali Hassan.
Bonus Section: Polite & Professional Introduction Lines
- “Pleasure to meet you—I’m…”
- “Thank you for the opportunity; I’m…”
- “I appreciate your time; my name is…”
- “It’s great to connect with you—I’m…”
- “For those who don’t know me, I’m…”
Final Writing Tips: How to Choose the Right Phrase
- Use “I’m…” for simple, everyday introductions.
- Choose formal phrases (“Allow me to introduce myself…”) for interviews and business settings.
- Pick nickname-focused phrases (“You can call me…”) when you want to be friendly or casual.
- Use document-related phrases (“Legally, I’m…”) when clarity is essential.
- For emails or calls, use “This is…” to avoid confusion.
- If the audience is international, choose clear, universal expressions.
- Always match the phrase to the tone of the situation—friendly, formal, professional, or casual.
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