Which is correct to say and write 'your name is' or 'your names are'?

Answer 1

The phrase "your name is" is correct English in the singular form, meaning: there is only one "you" that you are referring to or asking. When used in this way, the phrase means your full name, OR a part of your name (usually surname, depending on the context).

Example: A person arrives for a meeting with a school principal. The secretary asks: "And your name is?" so she can announce the person to the school principal.

As well, the phrase "your names are" is also correct English. In this instance, it would refer to asking for the names of members of a group.

Example: Four women attend an award dinner. To seat them at the right tables, the group is asked "Your names are...?" Then, each woman gives her name, or if known to each other, one woman lists all the women's names.

Example 2: A large family meets someone new. The stranger asks the children, "And your names are?" which generally means, "What is your first name? And yours? And yours?" But instead of repeating the question, the phrase "your names are" asked once usually communicates what the stranger wants to ask.

Another poster said the phrase "your names are" would refer to all parts of your name (your forenames and your surname), BUT in the USA, that would not be considered acceptable grammar and would sound very odd. We refer to "your name" meaning both/either/or first and last name and the answer given depends on the situation. If 2 people are unknown to each other, being asked your name would generally elicit both first and last name.