What is a person's name written in handwriting to authorize a document called?

The term for a person's name written in handwriting to authorize a document is called a signature. A signature serves as a personal identifier, indicating the individual's agreement to the content of the document. It is legally recognized and often used in various contexts, such as signing contracts, agreements, and official forms, to affirm authenticity and consent.

Signatures vary in style and can be as simple as a printed name or more elaborate, incorporating unique flourishes. They are essential for validating documents and can be scrutinized to verify identity, especially in legal matters.

While initials and autographs are related concepts, they do not fit the definition as precisely. Initials are typically abbreviated versions of a person's name and do not carry the same legal weight as a full signature. Autographs are specifically the handwritten signatures of famous individuals, often collected by fans and used for memorabilia, rather than for authorizing documents. Stamps, meanwhile, represent a different form of authentication and are typically used to apply a pre-printed mark or seal, lacking the personal touch and legal implications of a signature.