What’s in a Name?

by Cherie Tucker

August 2013

It’s amazing how many people seem to be upset that the new little prince in Britain is named George. Maybe they’ll feel better when he’s King George VII. One thing is for certain, however: he will be able to sign his name, and people will know he’s a male. Not all names are so decisive.

If you have a name like Chris or Kim or Lee, you may have received things addressed to you as Mr. if you are a woman or Ms. if you are a man. Things were even more complicated for my college friend Perry who used to get draft notices in her mailbox. Fortunately, there is a way to clear things up for folks with unisex or unfamiliar names in correspondence or other situations that require a courtesy title.

When the addressee’s name provides no clues, eliminate the courtesy title and use the full name:

Dear Chris Jones:

If your name is one of the confusing ones, there are two ways to sign your correspondence to let your reader know which courtesy title would be appropriate.
 

For your signature, type the courtesy title in parentheses, and then sign without the title:

Sincerely,

Chris Jones

(Mr.) Chris Jones

Or put the parenthetical in your signature:
Sincerely,

(Mr.) Chris Jones

Chris Jones
People who have to write back to you will appreciate it.

Cherie Tucker, owner of GrammarWorks, has taught writing basics to professionals since 1987, presenting at the PNWA conference.  She currently teaches Practical Grammar for Editors at the University of Washington’s Editing Certification program and edits as well.  GrammarWorks@msn.com.