Deadname

The term deadname refers to the name given at birth to a transgender/nonbinary person who has chosen a different name; even if the person's legal name is their birth name (i.e. they have not had it legally changed), it is still considered a deadname if they prefer to be called something else.

The verb deadnaming is the act of referring to a trans/nonbinary person by their birth name, which is almost universally considered offensive. Deadnaming can cause gender dysphoria and out the person being deadnamed, possibly causing further harassment and discrimination.

See also

• Names
• Discrimination against nonbinary gender people