deadname meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

deadname

noun

/ˈdɛd.neɪm/

Etymology From dead + name, because the old name is dead (“no longer used”). Attested since at least 2010 as a noun and 2013 as a verb by the OED.

Neologism A previous name of a person (especially a transgender person) who has since changed their name.

Especially LGBTQ

And when people constantly refer to you as your deadname [a name that you previously went by], or use the incorrect pronouns, it really is like getting slapped with a wet fish.2014, Natalia Moorin, “My Illness Is Not Your Inspiration”, in Damsel, University of Western Australia, page 21:
One of the articles in our last issue contained a major error: we referred to a transgender student by their deadname.2018 February 27, Amy O'Kruk, “Apology to readers”, in Western Gazette, Western University, page 2:

2 more examples

“My deadname is everywhere because of my ID card, and not only do I have to look at it but lots of other people get to see. […]2018, Alex McFadden, quoted in Noni Cole & Ruby Perryman, "The Unfair University ID Card", Farrago (University of Melbourne), Edition Three (2018), page 7
I know it hurts you when they look at you strange Misgender you intentionally, use your deadname2025, Kae Tempest, “I Stand On The Line”:

verb

Etymology From dead + name, because the old name is dead (“no longer used”). Attested since at least 2010 as a noun and 2013 as a verb by the OED.

To refer to someone (especially a transgender person) who has changed names by their previous name.

Using trans peoples' dead names – names that they were born with which are either wrong through either legal or preferential means – has been and always will be an act of aggression, not just to the person you're deadnaming but to all trans people.2015 June 17, Luca Kuchinka, “Caitlyn's story inspiring, spotlight should be shared”, in Estevan Mercury, page A7:
"Right now, it's unclear whether they are choosing to deadname me maliciously, or just can't be bothered to accommodate trans students in the way we require them to," he said.2018, Alex, quoted in Sylvie Woods, "Students pay the price for 'tired' administration", Honi Soit (University of Sydney), Volume 90, Week 9 (2018), page 12

1 more example

Felix's dad deadnames him despite supporting his top surgery and hormone therapy, and he hates his mom for leaving when he was 10.2020 May 1, Kirkus Reviews, page 130: