The Correct Phrase for Introducing Yourself: 'My Name Is' vs 'My Names Are'

When it comes to introducing oneself, a common question arises: should you use 'my name is' or 'my names are'? The correct phrase depends on the number of names you have and how you are presenting yourself. This guide aims to clarify these nuances and ensure your self-introductions are both accurate and grammatically correct.

Singular Self-Introduction: 'My Name Is'

Use 'my name is' when you are introducing yourself with a single name. For example, if you simply go by 'Charles,' you would introduce yourself as:

"My name is Charles."

If you are providing a more complete name, such as 'Richard Milhous Nixon,' you would still use the singular form:

"My name is Richard Milhous Nixon."

The use of 'my name is' is the singular form, which correctly reflects your single name or the full name comprising your first, middle, and last names. The phrase 'my names are' would be incorrect in these contexts, as it implies the possession of multiple names, which is not the conventional way of self-introduction.

Multiple Names: 'My Names Are'

Use 'my names are' if you are introducing multiple names or aliases. For example, if you have two distinct names that you may be called by, such as 'Edward Phillips,' you would say:

"My names are Edward Phillips."

Here, 'my names are' indicates that you can be called by two distinct names, and it is common to put such names in quotation marks for emphasis.

It is important to note that 'my names are' would only be applicable if the names are alternative versions that can be used interchangeably. If you have a primary name and one or more aliases or stage names, you might consider using 'my stage names are,' 'my alternate names are,' or even 'my names can be,' depending on the context.

Common Usage and Customary Practice

The phrase 'my name is' is almost always the correct choice in most contexts. Even if you are listing more than one name, you are answering with a first name or a full name, making 'my name is' the appropriate singular form. It would be less common to say 'my names are' unless the question was phrased that way, as in 'What are all your names?' In such specific scenarios, the plural form might be more appropriate.

To summarize:

For a single name: 'my name is' For multiple names or aliases: 'my names are' 'My name is' is the most widely accepted and grammatically correct form for self-introduction

Understanding this distinction can help you accurately introduce yourself in various contexts and avoid awkward or incorrect phrasings.