If you’re looking for a really quick way to help students learn to spell their name, you’re in the right spot! These simple name songs for kids make it surprisingly easy for them to learn the letters in their name… and their classmates’ names too!
There are tons of great ways to teach kids how to spell their names but I always love introducing activities by changing the lyrics to a popular tune and making a custom own name song.
You won’t believe how fast children learn their spelling!
Picking the Tune
The tune that works best for each child’s name really depends on the number of letters it has.
My oldest son has five letters in his name so we changed the words to the popular song “BINGO” and spelled his name instead.
The classic “Happy Birthday to You” tune is perfect for three letter names!
To help you get started, I recorded a video demonstrating tunes that work for names with three to nine letters.
Quickly find the version you need here:
- (0:26) 3 Letter Name Song
- (1:06) 4 Letter Name Song
- (1:47) 5 Letter Name Song
- (3:02) 6 Letter Name Song
- (3:39) 7 Letter Name Song
- (4:12) 8 Letter Name Song
- (5:00) 9 Letter Name Song
- (6:03) Bonus Tips
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I did this for spelling words in the classroom too.
So smart, Jodie! Isn’t it amazing how music helps kids remember how to spell words?!
Very cute; thanks!
Another 6 letter tune: 3 blind mice, 3 blind mice.
Any ideas for an 8 letter name
Just found this page, but I do have a song in mind:
Are you sleeping, are you sleeping? …. (Brother John…)
Can you give me any other 4 letter word songs…the name I’m working with is Jack..Thank you
My son 4 year old
I am like Donna Williams above. I need a n seven lettered song. My grandson’s name is Cameron
Hello Marilyn,
Thank you so much for reaching out, I am happy to help! The very last video on this page- is all about seven letter names, just click play for some awesome ideas.
Hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kimberleigh
That’s a fun way to learn. Excellent resources!
Thanks Rahul, enjoy!
Thank you so much this is a great idea to help children to spell their name. Children love to sing and learn to spell each other names.
Thank you, Karen, for your kind words!
I hope your children love singing the songs as much as we do.
Warmly,
Kimberliegh
Is there a song for 8 letter names?
Hi Joanita! Yes! I like to use the “Happy Birthday” tune for 8 letter names. I spell the name four times so it sounds like this:
(Sung to the Happy Birthday tune!)
B-R-I-T-T-A-N-Y
B-R-I-T-T-A-N-Y
B-R-I-T-T-A-N-Y
B-R-I-T-T-A-N-Y
Just make sure to sing it really slowly so that every letter can be clearly heard. 🙂
Love them!
Any chance of a 9 letter song?
My daughter’s babe is Elizabeth, so I need a 9 letter song too lol
Hi Erica! “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” works really well for 9 letter names! The words would sound like this:
(Sung to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)
A-L-E-X-A-N-D-R-A spells Alex-andra.
Depending on the name, you may need to stretch out one of the sounds for two counts like I did in this example. 🙂
I have been doing this for over 15 years. The kids love it! I teach Special Education. Some of my former students remain at a 3 year old developmental level. I can still sing “their song” with them years later when I see them. Brings a smile to all of our faces! Thanks for posting this!
That is just wonderful, Peggy!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador
Is there a printable available that I can send home with parents of my students for all of these name songs??
Hi Amy,
Thanks for reaching out.
However, we don’t currently offer a printable version of the name song. You are welcome to pass this link along to the parents of your students though 🙂
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador
Malia,
Everything is blank under the three-seven letter name songs until it gets to the editable name games. Any ideas as to why? I was just hoping to know more about the songs you use with more and less letters than 5!
Thanks
Hi Kristi,
Thanks for reaching out. In that section are the videos where Malia demonstrates using the songs with 3-7 letter names.
It might be taking some time to load, so you could let it sit for a bit or try viewing the page on a different browser.
I hope that helps!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador
Any song suggestions for 8 letter names?
Hi Kelly! Great question! I like to use the “Happy Birthday” tune for 8 letter names. I basically spell the name four times so it sounds like this:
(Sung to the Happy Birthday tune!)
B-R-I-T-T-A-N-Y
B-R-I-T-T-A-N-Y
B-R-I-T-T-A-N-Y
B-R-I-T-T-A-N-Y
Just make sure to sing it really slowly so that every letter can be clearly heard. 🙂
Thank you!!
You are very welcome, Chandra!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador
Any tips on a 9 letter name like “Catherine”?
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for reaching out.
For 9 letter names, we suggest using the tune “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
You’ll sing the letters of the name 3 times, then end with “That spells _________ all day!”
Hope that helps!
Warmly,
Ashley // Happiness Ambassador
The names songs no longer show up. They did the other day but it skips right to the name games pack.
Thank you so much for letting me know about the problem, Casey! It’s been fixed so you can see the videos right here:
https://www.playdoughtoplato.com/name-songs-kids/
I hope your kiddos love them!
I have a 13 letter name! Any suggestions?
Hi Barbara,
A 13 letter name is sure a tricky one! You could use the first part of Hickory Dickory dock to spell out the name. You would use the first two lines for the letters. “Hickory dickory dock. The mouse ran up the clock.” Then you can finish the song with “That is how you spell my name. Sing it again with me!”
Hope that helps!
Sarah // Playdough to Plato Team
How would you do? Twinkle little start to Adeline
Hi there,
For Adeline, it would be “A-D-E-L-I-N-E. That’s how we spell Adeline.” I hope that helps!
Warmly,
Sarah