Name signs are shorthand for a specific person's name. It can be a descriptor of the person or it can just be arbitrary. It is culturally significant as they not only identify a person, but a person's significance in the community. I have a name sign as my grandmother is Deaf, so when I was born, she gave not only me, but my younger sister and brother a name sign.
Explanation:
(The last part of the question is my own personal experience so disregard, instead, insert your own experience)
