Signature Analysis: Gaps between Names

Most people sign more than one name. It may be as simple as one initial and name, or it may be 3 or 4 names written out in full.

Look carefully at the spacing between the names. If there is just one name and an initial, or two names, then you only have that one space to go with, and the comparison can only be made between the spacing in the signature and the spacing in the rest of the writing. However, that is better than nothing.

Better though, is when there are more than 2 names. 2 initials and a last name, 2 names and an initial, 3 names, or more. All of these give more than one space between name or intial.

Is the spacing consistent between all? Or is there a larger gap between one than others?

A larger space means distancing oneself. So if, let's say someone writes their first name, their middle initial, and then their last name with a larger space between the middli initial and the last name than there is between the first name and the initial. What does this tell us?

The first name, and the middle initial is the individual person. The exception here is if the middle name is that of a close relative after whom the person has been named. In that case, the middle name may be taken as representing that relative..
The last name is always the family name and as such represents family in general.

So if the last name is isolated by a wider than usual space from the rest of the name, the writer is distancing themself from family. If the larger gap is between the first name and the middle name or initial (especially if this is named after a close family member) then the first name (ie the writer themself) is distancing themself from the family in general and also specifically from the person who's middle name they were given.

It can be a sign of trouble in a marriage when a larger than previous gap starts to appear regularly before the last name, whether in a man or woman's signature.

Spacing is something that's easy to overlook, but can give very important information.

Find out more about analyzing signatures.

Or try the Signature Party Game... fun, easy, unique ... light hearted fun with signatures for groups of any size.

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Writing your Signature in another language

I recently received a question from a reader asking if it was legal to sign one's name in another language.

My answer to that is that I have no idea, and I suppose it would depend on what you were signing and in what country you were at that time.

However, it did give thought to the idea of a signature in another language and how that works for handwriting analysis.

Since the purpose of the signature is to tell the reader who is writing, a signature that is legible to the reader is the best idea. But what if you come from, say, China and you would very much like to continue using your Chinese script signature.

That is fine. But if it's a document for English speaking readers, I would suggest you sign your signature in your native language first, then immediately below sign the English version of your signature.

If you have 2 names - one in your native language and have adopted another in English, then sign the name appropriate to each language (ie your Chinese name in Chinese, your English name in English)

How does this connect with handwriting analysis?
Your English signature will still analyze just like anyone else's signature, provided you are fluid enough in English script that your writing doesn't look awkward and as if it's an effort to remember each stroke.

And once you become familiar with graphology, your knowledge of another script will allow you to also analyze that script in the same way.

But in the meantime, as you "create" your English language signature, take some time to ensure it includes as many positive traits as possible ... because one it becomes second nature to you to write this name this way, these traits are the ones that you will be showing the world.

Need more help in finding what traits mean what in a signature? Find it here.