Learning how to say “My name is” in different ways can make your English sound more natural, confident, and professional. Whether you’re meeting new people at work, introducing yourself online, or chatting casually, the words you choose set the tone for the whole conversation.
Using alternatives to “my name is” helps you sound more fluent and shows that you understand the right expressions for formal, friendly, or casual settings. Let’s explore over 22 creative, polite, and natural ways to introduce yourself in English—with examples and explanations for each.
🔍 What Does “My Name Is” Mean?
The phrase “My name is” simply tells someone what you are called.
Grammar breakdown:
- My → possessive adjective (shows ownership)
- Name → noun (refers to your given name)
- Is → linking verb (connects subject and complement)
Together, it forms a basic subject-verb phrase:
“My name is John.”
It’s grammatically correct, polite, and very common in both spoken and written English.
💬 When to Use “My Name Is”
You can use “My name is” when:
- Introducing yourself for the first time
- Filling in forms or giving official details
- Speaking in formal or polite settings (e.g., meetings, interviews)
Example:
“Hello, my name is Sarah, and I’ll be your project manager.”
It’s perfect for:
- Formal introductions
- Presentations
- Job interviews
- Customer interactions
However, in casual conversations, people often use shorter or friendlier versions like “I’m Sarah” or “It’s Sarah.”
🤔 Is It Professional or Polite to Say “My Name Is”?
Absolutely. “My name is” is polite, respectful, and widely accepted. It’s especially suitable for professional or business settings where clarity matters.
✅ Professional:
“Good afternoon, my name is Dr. Khan, and I’m the lead researcher.”
✅ Polite:
“Hi, my name is Emma. Nice to meet you!”
But if you’re in a relaxed or friendly situation, using “I’m…” sounds more natural. Overusing “My name is” in informal chats can make you sound a bit too stiff or rehearsed.
⚖️ Pros and Cons of Using “My Name Is”
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Clear and polite | ❌ Can sound too formal in casual talk |
| ✅ Grammatically correct | ❌ Feels repetitive if used too often |
| ✅ Universally understood | ❌ Less natural for native-style small talk |
| ✅ Ideal for official introductions | ❌ Not conversational in informal chats |
🗣️ 22+ Other Ways to Say “My Name Is” (With Examples)
Below are 22 creative alternatives you can use instead of “My name is.”
Each one includes its meaning, explanation, example, tone, and best/worst usage.
1. I’m [Name]
Meaning: A short, casual way to introduce yourself.
Explanation: Most common in everyday speech.
Example: “I’m Lisa. Nice to meet you!”
Best Use: Informal or friendly situations.
Worst Use: Very formal settings or official introductions.
Tone: Friendly and natural.
2. It’s [Name]
Meaning: A relaxed, conversational way to say who you are.
Explanation: Often used when the listener might already know you.
Example: “Hey, it’s Mark from HR.”
Best Use: Texts, calls, or casual intros.
Worst Use: Formal writing or job interviews.
Tone: Informal, warm.
3. This is [Name]
Meaning: A neutral introduction, often used on the phone or in meetings.
Explanation: Helps identify yourself clearly.
Example: “Hello, this is Alex speaking.”
Best Use: Phone calls, virtual meetings, business introductions.
Worst Use: Casual in-person introductions.
Tone: Professional and polite.
4. You can call me [Nickname]
Meaning: Gives permission to use a friendly or shortened version of your name.
Explanation: Shows approachability and friendliness.
Example: “My full name is Jonathan, but you can call me Jon.”
Best Use: When offering a nickname.
Worst Use: Very formal contexts.
Tone: Friendly and approachable.
5. They call me [Name]
Meaning: A slightly dramatic or storytelling-style introduction.
Explanation: Adds a playful or informal tone.
Example: “They call me Sam the Problem Solver.”
Best Use: Creative, humorous, or informal settings.
Worst Use: Job interviews or academic writing.
Tone: Casual and expressive.
6. People know me as [Name]
Meaning: Used when you’re known by a nickname or stage name.
Explanation: Suggests familiarity or recognition.
Example: “People know me as DJ Blaze.”
Best Use: Social media, entertainment, or personal branding.
Worst Use: Formal documents.
Tone: Confident and modern.
7. Allow me to introduce myself — I’m [Name]
Meaning: A formal and polite introduction.
Explanation: Ideal for professional or ceremonial settings.
Example: “Allow me to introduce myself — I’m Mr. Patel, the managing director.”
Best Use: Business meetings, conferences.
Worst Use: Friendly chats.
Tone: Formal and respectful.
8. Let me introduce myself — I’m [Name]
Meaning: A polite but slightly less formal variation of the above.
Explanation: Sounds confident but approachable.
Example: “Let me introduce myself — I’m Rachel from the design team.”
Best Use: Networking events, emails, presentations.
Worst Use: Text messages.
Tone: Professional yet friendly.
9. My friends call me [Name]
Meaning: Indicates familiarity and openness.
Explanation: Suggests comfort and connection.
Example: “My friends call me Benny.”
Best Use: Making new friends or informal introductions.
Worst Use: Business or academic introductions.
Tone: Friendly and personal.
10. I go by [Name/Nickname]
Meaning: States your preferred name.
Explanation: Common when your legal name differs from your everyday name.
Example: “I go by Chris, but my full name is Christopher.”
Best Use: First meetings, introductions with flexibility.
Worst Use: Formal speech without context.
Tone: Neutral and polite.
11. The name’s [Name]
Meaning: A confident or cool way to introduce yourself.
Explanation: Often heard in movies or casual speech.
Example: “The name’s Bond. James Bond.”
Best Use: Informal introductions, light humor.
Worst Use: Professional contexts.
Tone: Playful and self-assured.
12. You’re speaking with [Name]
Meaning: A professional self-introduction over the phone or email.
Explanation: Adds clarity and politeness.
Example: “Good morning, you’re speaking with David from customer care.”
Best Use: Calls, online meetings.
Worst Use: Face-to-face casual talk.
Tone: Professional and courteous.
13. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Name]
Meaning: A friendly introduction to mixed audiences.
Explanation: Useful when some people already know you.
Example: “For those who don’t know me, I’m Alicia from marketing.”
Best Use: Presentations, group meetings.
Worst Use: One-on-one chats.
Tone: Warm and conversational.
14. I answer to [Name]
Meaning: A witty or humorous way to say your name.
Explanation: Adds personality or humor.
Example: “I answer to Mike or ‘the coffee guy.’”
Best Use: Friendly workplaces, casual events.
Worst Use: Serious or formal meetings.
Tone: Lighthearted and humorous.
15. In case we haven’t met, I’m [Name]
Meaning: A polite way to introduce yourself to someone new.
Explanation: Works well when you’re unsure if you’ve met before.
Example: “In case we haven’t met, I’m Jordan from accounting.”
Best Use: Networking or conferences.
Worst Use: Very casual settings.
Tone: Professional and polite.
16. I’m known as [Name]
Meaning: Used when you have a recognized identity or nickname.
Explanation: Common in business or entertainment.
Example: “I’m known as Coach Leo.”
Best Use: Branding, leadership, or teaching.
Worst Use: Informal small talk.
Tone: Confident and formal.
17. Everyone calls me [Name]
Meaning: Highlights a nickname or common name.
Explanation: Suggests friendliness and openness.
Example: “Everyone calls me Dee.”
Best Use: New social groups.
Worst Use: Official introductions.
Tone: Friendly and warm.
18. I respond to [Name]
![I respond to [Name]](https://englishguidex.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/i-respond-to-name-1024x576.webp)
Meaning: A playful, sometimes joking way to introduce yourself.
Explanation: Adds humor or light tone.
Example: “I respond to Alex… or coffee.”
Best Use: Casual contexts.
Worst Use: Formal settings.
Tone: Humorous and relaxed.
19. You must be [Name] — and I’m [Name]
Meaning: Dual introduction (acknowledging both people).
Explanation: Creates friendly, conversational tone.
Example: “You must be Tom — and I’m Emily.”
Best Use: Networking or first-time meetings.
Worst Use: Written communication.
Tone: Warm and engaging.
20. I’d like to introduce myself — my name is [Name]
Meaning: A polished, formal introduction.
Explanation: Ideal for written introductions or speeches.
Example: “I’d like to introduce myself — my name is Dr. Smith.”
Best Use: Business letters, emails, formal events.
Worst Use: Texts or casual chats.
Tone: Formal and respectful.
21. Please allow me to say who I am — I’m [Name]
Meaning: A very polite and traditional expression.
Explanation: Adds elegance and respectfulness.
Example: “Please allow me to say who I am — I’m Mr. Daniels.”
Best Use: Diplomatic or ceremonial introductions.
Worst Use: Everyday conversations.
Tone: Very formal and courteous.
22. Call me [Name]
Meaning: Direct, simple way to say how you’d like to be addressed.
Explanation: Great for friendly or casual introductions.
Example: “Call me Jake.”
Best Use: Casual, creative, or teamwork environments.
Worst Use: Formal introductions.
Tone: Relaxed and inviting.
23. My full name is [Name]
Meaning: Introduces your complete name clearly.
Explanation: Useful when there might be confusion.
Example: “My full name is Maria Lopez García.”
Best Use: Legal, official, or academic situations.
Worst Use: Casual chats.
Tone: Formal and precise.
🧾 Comparison Table — Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use | Sounds Natural In |
|---|---|---|---|
| I’m [Name] | Friendly | Everyday speech | Conversations |
| This is [Name] | Professional | Calls, meetings | Work settings |
| Allow me to introduce myself | Formal | Events, ceremonies | Professional contexts |
| You can call me [Nickname] | Friendly | Informal | Personal chats |
| I go by [Name] | Neutral | First introductions | Networking |
| The name’s [Name] | Playful | Informal talks | Casual settings |
| In case we haven’t met | Polite | Networking events | Business meetups |
❓ FAQs About “My Name Is” Alternatives
1. Is “My name is” too formal for daily use?
Not really. It’s perfectly fine but might sound stiff in casual settings. Try “I’m [name]” instead for everyday use.
2. What’s the most natural way to introduce yourself?
The simplest and most natural is “I’m [name]” or “Hi, I’m [name].”
3. How can I sound more confident when introducing myself?
Smile, use a clear tone, and keep your introduction short:
“Hi, I’m Anna. I work in digital marketing.”
4. Can I say “This is [name]” in person?
You can, but it’s more common over the phone or in group introductions.
5. What’s the best phrase for business emails?
Use “I’d like to introduce myself — my name is [name]” or “This is [name] from [company].”
🏁 Conclusion
Knowing other ways to say “My name is” helps you adapt to every situation—from boardrooms to coffee chats. The right phrase can make you sound confident, warm, or professional, depending on your goal.
Experiment with these alternatives, notice how they change the tone, and soon you’ll sound more fluent, natural, and flexible in English conversations.
David Jonson is an experienced English language writer who specializes in clear, practical, and learner-friendly content. He helps students and professionals improve their communication skills with confidence.