An autograph is a person's own handwriting or signature. The word autograph comes from Ancient Greek (αὐτός, autós, "self" and γράφω, gráphō, "write"), and can mean more specifically:^[1][2]

• a manuscript written by the author of its content.^[1][2] In this meaning the term autograph can often be used interchangeably with holograph.^[1][3]
• a celebrity's handwritten signature.^[2] Autograph collecting is the activity of collecting such autographs.^[1]

History

What might be considered the oldest "autograph" is a Sumerian clay table from about 3100 BC which includes the name of the scribe Gar.Ama. No ancient written autographs have been found, and the earliest one known for a major historical figure is that of El Cid from 1098.^[4]

Autograph manuscript

"Autograph" can refer to a document transcribed entirely in the handwriting of its author, as opposed to a typeset document or one written by an amanuensis or a copyist. This meaning overlaps that of "holograph".^[3]

Celebrity's signature

Autograph collecting is the hobby of collecting autographs of famous persons.^[1] Some of the most popular categories of autograph subjects are presidents, military soldiers, athletes, movie stars, artists, social and religious leaders, scientists, astronauts, and authors.^[5]