27+ Other Ways to Say Who Are You (100+ Examples)

It’s funny, how often we need to ask someone their name, or maybe what they do. Sometimes the simple version feels too stiff, or maybe just a bit boring. You might want to sound friendly, funny, or even a little bit fancy, depending on the person. We have collected so many ways to help you out, so you never feel stuck again. Pick your favorite, have some fun, and start talking to everyone you meet.

Casual Ways to Say Who Are You

What is Your Name

Asking for a name is the most common way to start a chat, but it can feel plain if you use it too much. Use this when you meet a neighbor, someone at a park, or a person standing in line. It is polite, easy, and works everywhere. Keep your voice light, and add a smile, to show you are friendly. Everyone will know exactly what you mean.

• What is your name, if you do not mind me asking?
• Could you tell me what is your name so I can introduce you?
• Please tell me, what is your name, because I forgot to catch it earlier.
• I am sorry, but what is your name, since we have not met before?

Who Might You Be

Using this phrase sounds a bit mysterious, but it is actually quite fun. Try this when you see someone new at a party, or maybe a friend brings a guest over. It shows you are curious, but also a little playful. It is great for light moods, where people want to laugh. Avoid this at a job interview, because it might sound too casual.

• Excuse me, who might you be, joining our little group tonight?
• Tell me, who might you be, as I have not seen you around here.
• My friend says you are new, so who might you be, exactly?
• I am trying to learn everyone, so who might you be, my friend?

What Do You Go By

Some people have nicknames, or middle names they prefer, and this is the best way to find that out. Use this when you meet someone who looks like they might have a cool story about their name. It shows you care about how they want to be treated, which is a very kind thing. It works well in relaxed, social settings, like clubs or team sports.

• I love your style, so what do you go by, if you want to share?
• Everyone calls you a nickname, but what do you go by officially?
• I want to be respectful, so what do you go by, when you are home?
• Tell me what do you go by, because that name you gave sounds long.

How Are You Called

This one sounds a little bit like a storybook, or a fancy play. It is very sweet, and works if you want to be a bit silly with your friends. People will usually laugh, or play along with you, because it sounds so formal in a fun way. Use this at a dinner party, or when you are trying to cheer someone up, on a bad day.

• Tell me, how are you called, in this part of the woods?
• I am curious, how are you called, since you have such a unique face?
• By what name, how are you called, when you are at the office?
• Please tell me, how are you called, so I can say it right.

What Should I Call You

Asking this shows you are thoughtful, and want to be a good friend right away. It is perfect for meetings where things are not too formal. You are letting them decide how close you should be, which is a very nice gesture. Use this when you meet a new coworker, or someone who is helping you with a project, during the day.

• We are going to work together, so what should I call you?
• I want to be your friend, so what should I call you, starting today?
• Please let me know, what should I call you, so I do not mess it up.
• I forgot your name, so what should I call you, to avoid being awkward?

Who is This

You can use this when you call someone on the phone, or get a text from a number you do not know. It is quick, and to the point, which is helpful when you are busy. Make sure you sound kind, though, or people might think you are angry. A quick tone makes a big difference, when you are asking this over the phone.

• My phone rang, so I had to ask, who is this?
• You sent me a text, but who is this, if I can ask?
• I do not have this saved, so who is this, really?
• Please tell me, who is this, so I know who I am talking to.

Do I Know You

This is a bit risky, but it is useful if you think you might have met someone before. Use it when a face looks familiar, but you just cannot place where you saw them. It is honest, and most people will appreciate that you are trying to remember. If they say no, just laugh it off, and introduce yourself again, for the first time.

• You look so familiar, so do I know you, from somewhere else?
• I feel like we met, so do I know you, or am I wrong?
• We seem to have friends in common, so do I know you, from school?
• Tell me, do I know you, because your face is so bright today?

Are You the One

This works well if you are waiting for someone, or meeting a person for a specific task. Use it when you are at a cafe, or waiting for a ride. It is simple, and shows you have a goal in mind. It keeps things moving, which is great when you are in a rush, or have lots of things to do.

• Are you the one, who is here to help me with the books?
• I think you are waiting for me, so are you the one, I spoke to?
• You look ready to work, so are you the one, I need to see?
• Please tell me, are you the one, who brought the extra chairs today?

What is Your Handle

People use handles online, and this is a great way to ask for their screen name. It is very modern, and works if you are gaming, or chatting on apps. It keeps the vibe cool, and shows you understand how the digital world works. Use this when you want to connect on a platform, or find them later on the web.

• You are great at this game, so what is your handle, please?
• I want to add you, so what is your handle, on that app?
• Everyone here has a cool name, so what is your handle, today?
• Please share, what is your handle, so I can find you online later.

Who Represents You

This sounds a bit like you are talking to a lawyer, or a boss. It is a bit funny to use in a casual way, because it sounds so serious. Use this when you are playing a game, or acting like you are important, just for a joke. Your friends will know you are being silly, and will likely laugh at the odd choice of words.

• You act like a star, so who represents you, in the city?
• I want to talk to your team, so who represents you, in this case?
• You are very busy, so who represents you, when you are out?
• Please tell me, who represents you, because you seem like a big deal.

Playful Ways to Say Who Are You

Who is This Mystery Person

Using this makes everything feel like a fun game. It is great for kids, or for friends who like to joke around a lot. You are turning a simple question into a little story, which makes people smile. Use this when you are surprised by someone, or when they walk in wearing a mask, or something funny. It is all about the mood.

• Who is this mystery person, hiding behind the big blue door?
• I see a new friend, so who is this mystery person, really?
• You are sneaky, so who is this mystery person, in my house?
• Tell me, who is this mystery person, who keeps leaving me gifts?

What is Your Claim to Fame

This is a fun way to ask someone what they are good at, or why they are well known. It feels light, and shows you want to hear their story. Use this at parties, or when you are trying to make a quiet person talk more. It is a great icebreaker that lets them brag a little bit, which everyone loves to do.

• You are so talented, so what is your claim to fame, exactly?
• I want to know everything, so what is your claim to fame, my friend?
• Everyone is talking about you, so what is your claim to fame, tonight?
• Please tell me, what is your claim to fame, so I can be impressed.

Who Invited This Charmer

Use this when you are with a group of friends, and someone new joins who is very fun or funny. It is a nice compliment, and makes the new person feel welcome right away. It is warm, and sounds much better than just asking for a name. It sets a happy tone for the rest of the night, for everyone.

• Who invited this charmer, to our quiet little dinner party?
• You are making us laugh, so who invited this charmer, today?
• I love your energy, so who invited this charmer, to the team?
• Look at you go, so who invited this charmer, to the show?

What Brings a Star Like You Here

This is a very silly, over the top way to greet someone. It works best if you say it with a big grin, so they know you are joking. It makes the other person feel special, and starts the chat on a high note. Use this for someone you want to make laugh, or when you feel extra happy.

• What brings a star like you here, to this small cafe?
• I am shocked, so what brings a star like you here, today?
• You look like royalty, so what brings a star like you here?
• Please tell me, what brings a star like you here, my friend?

Who is the New Legend

This is a funny way to address someone who is new to your group. It makes them feel like a hero, even if they just walked in the door. Use this for friends of friends, or new people at work who seem cool. It is light, easy, and very welcoming for anyone who is feeling a bit shy, or nervous.

• Who is the new legend, joining our group of misfits today?
• You look ready to play, so who is the new legend, here?
• We needed a hero, so who is the new legend, in town?
• Tell me, who is the new legend, that I keep hearing about?

What is Your Secret Identity

If someone is acting a bit quiet, or hiding something, this is the perfect line. It is very playful, and references superheroes, which almost everyone likes. Use this when you are hanging out, or when you are trying to get someone to open up a bit more. It is a lighthearted way to ask for their name, or their background.

• You are so quiet, so what is your secret identity, really?
• I want to know, what is your secret identity, behind that mask?
• You saved the day, so what is your secret identity, after all?
• Tell me, what is your secret identity, so I can know you.

Who is Gracing Us with Their Presence

This sounds very fancy, but it is meant to be funny and sweet. Use this when a good friend finally shows up, or when someone special arrives. It makes the moment feel big, and adds some joy to the air. It is a great way to make someone feel important, and loved, the moment they walk into the room.

• Who is gracing us with their presence, on this lovely day?
• You are late, but who is gracing us with their presence, now?
• I am so happy, so who is gracing us with their presence?
• Look who showed up, so who is gracing us with their presence?

Who is This Cool Cat

Using this is very retro, and fun to say out loud. It works well if you want to sound relaxed, and easygoing. It is a great way to greet someone who looks stylish, or confident. You will make them smile, because it is such a classic, fun way to ask who they are. Use it when you are in a good mood.

• Who is this cool cat, sitting at the bar with us?
• I like your hat, so who is this cool cat, tonight?
• You are so smooth, so who is this cool cat, walking in?
• Tell me, who is this cool cat, that I just met?

Sarcastic Ways to Say Who Are You

Do I Look Like a Fan of Yours

Use this only if you want to be a bit cheeky, or if you are dealing with someone who is being rude. It is definitely not a nice way to say hello, so be careful. It is best for when someone acts like they are famous, but you do not know them. It is a way to show you are not impressed, by their attitude.

• You are acting like a boss, so do I look like a fan of yours?
• I do not know you, so do I look like a fan of yours?
• You want me to serve you, so do I look like a fan of yours?
• Stop acting big, so do I look like a fan of yours, really?

Who Asked for Your Input

This is a sharp way to shut down someone who is talking too much. It is not friendly, but it is very direct. Use this when someone is giving advice you did not want, or when they are interrupting your flow. It is a quick way to stop a conversation, if you are feeling annoyed, or just plain done.

• You are talking a lot, so who asked for your input, friend?
• I did not call for you, so who asked for your input, anyway?
• We were fine here, so who asked for your input, just now?
• Stop talking, so who asked for your input, in this matter?

Are You Someone I Should Know

This can sound very mean, or very funny, depending on your tone. It is great if you want to poke fun at someone who thinks they are very important. Use it carefully, because it might hurt feelings if you do not know the person well. It is a way to show you do not care about their status, or rank.

• You are acting loud, so are you someone I should know?
• I am busy, so are you someone I should know, for work?
• You think you are cool, so are you someone I should know?
• Tell me, are you someone I should know, because I am lost.

Who Exactly Are You Supposed to Be

This is a biting way to ask for a name, when someone is acting out of line. It suggests that they are pretending to be someone they are not. Use this when you are frustrated, or when someone is trying to take charge, without being asked. It is a way to challenge their role, and demand an answer, immediately.

• You are taking over, so who exactly are you supposed to be?
• I do not get it, so who exactly are you supposed to be?
• You are acting weird, so who exactly are you supposed to be?
• Stop the act, so who exactly are you supposed to be, here?

Did I Miss a Memo About You

Use this when someone shows up, and acts like everyone should know who they are. It is a sarcastic way to point out that they are a stranger to you. It is perfect for a busy office, where people walk in and out all day long. It shows that you are focused on your own work, and not their fame.

• Everyone is looking at you, so did I miss a memo about you?
• I am out of the loop, so did I miss a memo about you?
• You are very loud, so did I miss a memo about you?
• Please tell me, did I miss a memo about you, today?

Who Gave You the Right to Talk

This is very aggressive, so only use it if you are truly upset. It is a way to demand silence, while asking for their name. It is meant to be hurtful, so keep it for very tough moments. It is the opposite of being kind, and will likely end the chat, in a very fast way.

• You are yelling, so who gave you the right to talk, here?
• I did not invite you, so who gave you the right to talk?
• You are rude, so who gave you the right to talk, now?
• Please go away, so who gave you the right to talk?

What Makes You Think I Care

This is a brutal way to ask for an name, or a reason for being there. It is very cold, and shows you have zero interest in the person. Use this only if someone is being a total pest, and you need them to leave. It is a final line, meant to stop any more talking, right then and there.

• You keep talking, so what makes you think I care, really?
• I am busy, so what makes you think I care, about you?
• You are wasting time, so what makes you think I care?
• Stop now, so what makes you think I care, at all?

Are You Lost or Something

This is a condescending way to ask someone who they are, when they are in a place they should not be. It makes the other person feel small, and out of place. Use this when someone wanders into your private space, or a restricted area. It is a way to make them feel silly, while getting an answer out of them.

• You are in my desk area, so are you lost or something?
• I do not know you, so are you lost or something, here?
• You look confused, so are you lost or something, at work?
• Please tell me, are you lost or something, my dear friend?

Who is This Stranger in My Space

This is a way to point out that someone is not welcome, while asking for their name. It is very blunt, and will likely make the person feel uncomfortable. Use this when you value your privacy, and someone is stepping over the line. It is a strong way to set a boundary, while still asking for the truth.

• I do not know you, so who is this stranger in my space?
• You are too close, so who is this stranger in my space?
• I want peace, so who is this stranger in my space, today?
• Tell me, who is this stranger in my space, right now?

Formal Ways to Say Who Are You

May I Have Your Name Please

This is the standard, polite way to ask for a name in a professional setting. Use it when you are answering the phone at work, or meeting a client for the first time. It is always safe, and shows you have good manners. It never goes out of style, and works for anyone, no matter how important they might be.

• Good morning, may I have your name please, for the record?
• I would like to help, so may I have your name please?
• For our files, may I have your name please, to finish?
• Thank you, may I have your name please, so I can introduce you?

Whom Do I Have the Pleasure of Speaking With

This sounds very sophisticated, and professional. Use this when you want to make a great first impression, like during a big call, or a meeting. It shows you are respectful, and appreciate the person you are talking to. It is a bit fancy, but it fits well in business settings, or formal events where you want to show class.

• Hello, whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with, today?
• I am happy to help, so whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?
• To start our meeting, whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?
• It is an honor, so whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?

May I Ask Who is Calling

This is the best way to screen a call, or ask for the person on the other end of the line. It is very polite, and keeps things professional. Use this when you are working at a front desk, or handling calls for someone else. It is clear, simple, and never makes the caller feel bad or ignored.

• I can help you, but may I ask who is calling, please?
• The boss is busy, so may I ask who is calling, now?
• I need a name, so may I ask who is calling, for me?
• Thank you, but may I ask who is calling, so I can check?

Could You Please Introduce Yourself

Use this when you are in a meeting, and someone has not yet stated who they are. It is direct, but still very kind and professional. It helps everyone get on the same page, so the work can continue. It is perfect for team settings, or when you are leading a group discussion, and need to know the players.

• We are starting, so could you please introduce yourself, to us?
• I am the host, so could you please introduce yourself, briefly?
• We are all new here, so could you please introduce yourself?
• To begin our talk, could you please introduce yourself, to the group?

Who Shall I Say is Inquiring

This is a very polished way to ask for a name, when you are passing along a message. It sounds like you are a personal assistant, or a professional who handles important things. Use this to maintain a high level of respect, and to show you are taking their request seriously. It sounds very organized, and very clean.

• I will tell him, but who shall I say is inquiring, today?
• The manager is in, so who shall I say is inquiring, please?
• I want to be sure, so who shall I say is inquiring, to him?
• Thank you, so who shall I say is inquiring, for this call?

May I Inquire As to Your Identity

This sounds very official, almost like you are a guard, or an officer. It is very formal, and should only be used when you truly need to verify who someone is. It is not for casual chats, because it sounds too stiff. Use it in legal situations, or when security is a concern, for the company.

• For the record, may I inquire as to your identity, please?
• We must be sure, so may I inquire as to your identity?
• To enter the room, may I inquire as to your identity, sir?
• I am sorry, but may I inquire as to your identity, today?

Creative Ways to Say Who Are You

Who Has Come to Visit

This sounds very warm, and welcoming. It is a great way to greet someone at your front door, or when they walk into your office. It turns the act of asking for a name into a gentle invitation. It is perfect for a host, or anyone who wants to make sure their guests feel comfortable, and seen, right away.

• Hello, who has come to visit, on this beautiful day?
• You are early, so who has come to visit, my dear friend?
• I am glad, so who has come to visit, at this hour?
• Please tell me, who has come to visit, so I can open up.

Tell Me Your Story

This is a deep, poetic way to ask who someone is. It is not about a name, it is about who they are as a person. Use this when you are getting to know a friend on a deeper level, or at a late night talk. It shows you really care about their past, and their future, too.

• We have time, so tell me your story, starting with your name.
• I am curious, so tell me your story, and who you are.
• You seem interesting, so tell me your story, my new friend.
• I want to listen, so tell me your story, to help me know you.

What is the Name of the Person I Have the Honor of Meeting

This is very flowery, and sweet. Use it when you meet someone who you admire, or someone you have been waiting to see. It makes the person feel important, and shows you hold them in high regard. It is a very polite, and elegant way to show you are glad they are there.

• You are great, so what is the name of the person I have the honor of meeting?
• I am lucky, so what is the name of the person I have the honor of meeting?
• Please say, what is the name of the person I have the honor of meeting?
• It is a joy, so what is the name of the person I have the honor of meeting?

Who is the Traveler Joining Us Today

This is a fun way to describe someone who has come from far away. It feels like an adventure, and makes the moment special. Use this when someone arrives from another city, or another country. It is a nice way to acknowledge their journey, while asking for their name, in a very kind way.

• Welcome home, so who is the traveler joining us today?
• You came so far, so who is the traveler joining us today?
• I want to hear your tales, so who is the traveler joining us today?
• Please tell me, who is the traveler joining us today, my friend.

To Whom Do I Owe the Pleasure of This Visit

This sounds like something from an old movie. It is very charming, and works if you want to be a bit dramatic, or funny. Use it when you are playing a character, or when you want to make someone laugh, by being a bit fancy. It is a light way to ask for a name.

• To whom do I owe the pleasure of this visit, tonight?
• You look lovely, so to whom do I owe the pleasure of this visit?
• I am intrigued, so to whom do I owe the pleasure of this visit?
• Please share, to whom do I owe the pleasure of this visit?

Who is the Spirit Behind This Mask

If you are at a party, or a costume event, this is the perfect question. It is playful, and adds to the mystery of the night. It is a great way to start a conversation, while keeping the fun, and the vibe, high. Everyone loves to be asked about their costume, so this is a winner.

• You look so cool, so who is the spirit behind this mask?
• I cannot guess, so who is the spirit behind this mask?
• You are hiding, so who is the spirit behind this mask?
• Tell me, who is the spirit behind this mask, my friend?

Summary of Alternate Ways

Final Thoughts

I hope this list helps you find the right words, for every single person you meet. Whether you want to be funny, kind, or just get the job done, you now have plenty of ways to ask. Just remember to keep it simple, and always stay true to your own style, when you talk to others.

Meta Description

Do you want new ways to ask who someone is? Try these many, friendly options to help you sound great, and keep your conversations flowing today.