Those who like to doodle their name everywhere but are getting bored of the Latin alphabet can find cool alternatives on the Internet. There are many websites that will translate or transliterate a name in different scripts or languages, past or present, real or not, and most importantly, they do it for free in a fast and easy way.
Babylonian Cuneiform, Egyptian Hieroglyphics, Mayan Glyphs or Viking Runes
Babylonian Cuneiform is the earliest known writing system and it was used from the 4th millennium BC for more than 3000 years in the Middle East. In their latest stages, symbols looked like triangular-shaped strokes. The University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology can turn a name in Cuneiform on its website for free.
Egyptian hieroglyphics were used by Ancient Egyptians over 5000 years ago. They consisted of graphemes that represented a word, symbols that represent a concept, or signs that were used in a phonetic way, similar to a rebus. There are many websites like Hieroglyphs.net that present the Egyptian alphabet while also transliterating a name in hieroglyphics.
The Mayan script used from the 3rd century BC in Mesoamerica is more calligraphic and complex. Mayancraftsyucatan.com shows how a name will look in Mayan glyphs and it sells it in customized pendants of silver or gold.
Viking Runes were used from the 2nd century AD and resemble more the Latin alphabet. Runes were sometimes considered magic and had mystic uses. NOVA on PBS turns any name in Runes, while giving a detailed background of the runic alphabet.
Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Hebrew
There are languages with a long history that are still used today and they are just as fascinating as the ones that are long lost.
Both Japanese and Chinese use ideographs and there is a great number of websites that will change a name for you. Japanesetranslator.co.uk can transform a name in seconds in traditional, quirky, manga and other styles of Japanese. Mandarintools.com will reveal not only one’s name, but also their sign according to the Chinese zodiac.
The Arabic alphabet is the second most widely used after the Latin. Firdaous.com, the Arab world portal, phonetically transcribes a name in different calligraphic styles of Arabic. Arabic, like Hebrew is written from right to left and these two languages share many similarities because they belong to the same language family of Semitic. My-hebrew-name.com translates a name in Hebrew by finding its closest equivalent, giving the pronunciation as well as the scripture.
And Something Different: Sign Language, Elvish, Braille and Graffiti
There are several different types of Sign Language, each with its own unique visual signs. If you want to be able to say your name in the American Sign Language try languages-of-the-world, where you can also find links to languages like Cyrillic, Greek, Inuktikut or Hawaiian.
Braille is a writing method used by the blind and it consists of different combinations of dots. The American Foundation for the Blind’s website will turn any name in Braille, while also offering games and trivia.
Tolkien fans can search for their name in Elvish, a language that even though was constructed by the author, has the rich detail and beauty of almost a real language.
Finally, for something more artistic, the Graffiticreator.net might not offer a different alphabet, but it provides a free and easy-to-use tool that will turn a name into Graffiti art. You can choose the artist, the color, size and type of letters and then share your creation on the Internet.
Dimitra Rizou - Dimitra Rizou has studied English and Journalism. She lives in London.
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