name
name — noun
1. the word or group of words used to refer to someone or something when speaking o
the word or group of words used to refer to someone or something when speaking or writing about them.
Élise wrote her name at the top of the test paper.
possessive + name: her name
The street name was clearly shown on the blue sign at the corner.
Caleb could not remember the name of the new Korean restaurant.
the name of [something]
Please write your full name on the registration form at reception.
The park gets its name from a gardener who planted those oak trees.
gets its name from [source]
- full name
- first name
- last name
- family name
- street name
- brand name
- name tag
- by name
- in name
- title
used for creative works, official positions, or formal documents rather than everyday names
- label
more informal; suggests a name attached to a product or category, not to a person
- designation
formal; used in official or technical contexts
Grammar Patterns
[possessive] + name
the name of + [noun]
Usage Note
Frequently used with possessive determiners (my, your, his, her, its, their) to indicate whose name is being referred to. The pattern 'name of + noun' is common when the name belongs to a thing or place rather than a person.
Common Mistakes
2. the way people view or judge a person, company, product, or institution — whethe
the way people view or judge a person, company, product, or institution — whether they regard it as good or bad.
The bakery built a good name by using fresh local ingredients every day.
build a good name for oneself
Imran's careless mistakes gave the whole team a bad name.
give [someone/something] a bad name
That hotel chain has made a name for its excellent customer service.
The scandal left the company's name in ruins across the industry.
- good name
- bad name
- make a name
- big name
- name for quality
- reputation
more formal and explicit; can be used in any context where 'name' carries this meaning
- standing
focuses on rank or position within a community or field
Grammar Patterns
[adjective] + name
make a name for oneself
give [someone/something] a bad name
Usage Note
Common in fixed expressions: 'good name' suggests a reputation for honesty and reliability; 'bad name' suggests poor quality or dishonesty. 'Make a name for yourself' is a very common idiom meaning to become well-known and respected through your achievements.
Common Mistakes
3. a person who is very well known, especially within a particular profession or ar
a person who is very well known, especially within a particular profession or area of activity.
The conference brought together several big names in renewable energy.
big name in [field]
Eshe is already a name to watch in the world of modern dance.
a name to watch
The charity dinner attracted big names from film and music.
Defne became a household name after starring in that popular drama series.
household name
- big name
- household name
- famous name
- great name
- nobody
informal; a person of no importance or fame
Grammar Patterns
big name in + [field]
a name to watch
Usage Note
Almost always preceded by an adjective like 'big', 'famous', 'household', or 'great'. 'Household name' specifically means someone known to almost everyone in a country.
4. used immediately after a noun to indicate that the person or thing has a particu
used immediately after a noun to indicate that the person or thing has a particular name — for example, 'a student named Tom' means a student whose name is Tom.
The Nguyen family adopted a friendly dog named Lucky from the animal shelter.
noun + named + [name]
Anong met a young woman named Lucía at the summer language school.
Mathieu and his friends stayed at a small hotel called The Blue Dolphin by the beach.
noun + called + [name]
The librarian found a book called The Lost Garden on the top shelf.
- named after
- called something
Grammar Patterns
[noun] + named + [name]
[noun] + called + [name]
Usage Note
This sense always follows the noun it modifies. Both 'named' and 'called' work the same way; 'named' is more common in written English, while 'called' is slightly more informal and conversational. Note that 'a name' (without -ed) is not used this way.
Common Mistakes
5. an invented or adopted name used by someone who does not want to reveal their re
an invented or adopted name used by someone who does not want to reveal their real identity.
The author wrote under a false name because her family disapproved.
under a false name
Chidi checked into the hotel under the name of Mr. Brown.
under the name of [name]
The spy travelled using an assumed name and a fake passport.
Many actors use a stage name that is different from their real name.
stage name
- under a false name
- assumed name
- stage name
- pen name
- under the name of
- real name
someone's actual legal name
Grammar Patterns
under the name of + [name]
under a false name
under an assumed name
Usage Note
Typically appears in prepositional phrases starting with 'under' or 'using'. Common types of false names include 'stage name' (for performers), 'pen name' (for writers), and 'alias' (for criminals).
6. used to show that something is done for someone else, belongs to someone officia
used to show that something is done for someone else, belongs to someone officially, or is done using someone's authority — often in the fixed phrase 'in the name of'.
The house was bought in Rachel's name, not her husband's.
in [possessive] name
The police officer opened the door in the name of the law.
in the name of [authority]
Lan deposited the money into an account in her mother's name.
Cruel acts are sometimes committed in the name of religion.
- in the name of
- in your name
- under the name of
Grammar Patterns
in the name of + [person/institution]
in + [possessive] + name
Usage Note
Cannot be the subject of a sentence in this sense — it appears only within prepositional phrases. 'In the name of' has three distinct sub-uses: (a) ownership ('the car is in my name'), (b) authority ('stop in the name of the king'), and (c) excuse ('in the name of freedom').
Common Mistakes
to become well known and respected through your own efforts and achievements.
Asher made a name for himself as a talented young chef in just two years.
The small design studio made a name for itself with creative wedding invitations.
call someone names
idiomto use rude or offensive words when speaking to or about someone.
The teacher told the boys not to call each other names in class.
Chidi felt hurt when the older kids called him names on the playground.
in the name of
idiomusing the authority of someone or something; representing a person, group, or principle.
Shirin welcomed the guests in the name of the entire committee.
The general claimed to be acting in the name of the people.
in name only
idiomofficially described in a particular way but not having the real qualities or status of that description.
Ignacio was the manager in name only; his assistant made all the real decisions.
Their marriage existed in name only after years of living apart.
the name of the game
idiomthe single most important aspect or goal in a particular activity or situation.
In professional sports, consistency is the name of the game.
For small businesses, keeping costs low is the name of the game.
to your name
idiomsomething that you own or possess, especially money or property.
After years of saving, Antonia finally had a house to her name.
The young artist left college with little more than a paintbrush to his name.
big name
idioma very famous person or an important organization within a particular field.
The music festival attracted big names from around the world.
Several big names in fashion attended the opening show in Milan.
It means that a creature is called by a particular name.
The cat answers to the name of Whiskers.
Does your dog answer to the name of Max?
It means that a quality is very typical of a person.
For Sara, patience is her middle name.
Is adventure your middle name, Diego?
It refers to a person who is very important or influential.
The CEO is a big name in the tech industry.
Maya became a big shot after her startup succeeded.
by name
idiomIt means using someone's name to refer to them or ask for them.
The teacher knows every student by name.
He asked for the manager by name.
by the name of…
idiomIt means that someone or something is called a particular name.
A writer by the name of Elena won the prize.
I met a musician by the name of Leo.
call somebody names
idiomIt means to insult someone by using offensive words.
The kids called him names during recess.
Please stop calling your sister names.
It means to publicly say bad things about someone to damage their reputation.
The journalist dragged the politician's name through the mud.
They dragged our company's name through the dirt.
drop names
idiomIt means to mention famous people you know to impress others.
At the party, he kept dropping names of celebrities.
She dropped names to seem more important.
It means to officially register yourself or someone for a competition or school.
Maya entered her name for the science fair.
Have you entered your name for the marathon?
It means that once someone has a bad reputation, it is hard to change it.
After the scandal, he found that give a dog a bad name.
The rumor stuck; give a dog a bad name.
It means to discover or invent something that becomes named after you.
Dr. Smith gave his name to the new disease.
The scientist gave her name to the theory.
go by the name of…
idiomIt means to use a particular name, often not your real one.
The artist goes by the name of Blue.
He goes by the name of Johnny.
It means that something is intended or destined for a particular person.
This cake has your name on it, Brian.
That bullet had his name on it.
in all but name
idiomIt describes a situation that exists in reality but is not officially recognized.
She is the manager in all but name.
The two companies merged in all but name.
It is used in questions to express anger, surprise, or shock.
What in God's name happened here?
Where in Heaven's name have you been?
It means for someone or showing that something officially belongs to them.
The house is registered in my name.
I arrest you in the name of the law.
It means to publicly support or endorse something.
The actor lent his name to the charity campaign.
She lent her name to the environmental project.
It means that someone is disliked or unpopular because of something they did.
After the mistake, his name is mud around here.
If you lie, your name will be mud.
name names
idiomIt means to reveal the names of people involved in something wrong.
The witness agreed to name names in court.
He refused to name names during the investigation.
It refers to a person or thing that is famous and respected in a field.
Einstein is a name to conjure with in physics.
That restaurant is a name to conjure with among food critics.
It means to know or remember the name of someone or something.
I recognize the face but can't put a name to it.
Can you put a name to this song?
It means to have a name that is amusing or unusual.
He rejoices in the name of Barnaby.
The cat rejoices in the name of Fluffy.
It means that what matters is the nature of something, not what it is called.
Call it what you like; a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
The brand doesn't matter; a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
It means to use someone's name disrespectfully or speak badly about them.
Did you take my name in vain again?
He took the Lord's name in vain.
It means to own or possess something.
She has three degrees to her name.
He doesn't have a penny to his name.
under the name (of)…
idiomIt means using a name that may not be your real one.
The reservation was made under the name of Brown.
He travels under a false name.
name — verb
1. to give a person, animal, or thing a particular word or words to be known by.
to give a person, animal, or thing a particular word or words to be known by.
William and his wife named their baby daughter Élise after her grandmother.
name [someone] after [someone]
The Watanabes named their new cafe Cherry Blossom.
The street was named after a famous poet from the 19th century.
passive: be named after
Caleb named his bicycle Lightning because it was very fast.
Her parents named her Lucía, which means light in Spanish.
- name after
- name for
- name your child
- name a star
- name a price
Grammar Patterns
name + [person/thing] + [name]
be named + [name]
Usage Note
Frequently used in the passive ('was named', 'were named'). The pattern 'name [someone] after [someone]' means to give a child the same name as another person, usually a relative, to honour them. In American English, 'name [someone] for [someone]' is more common.
Common Mistakes
2. to say or write the name of someone or something, especially when identifying th
to say or write the name of someone or something, especially when identifying them or giving information about them.
The witness was too scared to name the person she had seen.
name [someone] in a legal context
Can you name three capital cities that start with the letter B?
The article named several companies that had broken safety rules.
The coach named Imran as the best player of the season.
name [someone] as [something]
Please name your price and we will see if we can match it.
name your price
- name names
- name the culprit
- name a date
- name your price
- name the winner
Grammar Patterns
name + [noun]
name + [person] as + [complement]
Usage Note
The fixed expression 'name names' means to publicly reveal the names of people involved in something wrong or illegal. 'Name your price' is a common business phrase meaning to state the amount you want to charge.
Common Mistakes
3. to officially choose someone for a particular job, position, or role.
to officially choose someone for a particular job, position, or role.
The board named Antonia as the new head of the marketing department.
name [someone] as [position]
Chidi was named team captain after just six months on the squad.
passive: be named [position]
The committee has not yet named a successor to the retiring director.
Rachel was named Employee of the Month for her outstanding sales record.
- name as
- name to the board
- name successor
- named captain
- name chairman
Grammar Patterns
name + [person] + [position]
name + [person] as + [position]
be named + [position]
Usage Note
More formal than 'choose' or 'pick'. Very common in business and academic contexts. In news headlines, 'name' is frequently used in the passive ('Ms. Chen was named CEO'). The preposition 'as' is optional but commonly used.
Common Mistakes
name — adjective
1. relating to or used for showing a name — appearing on objects that indicate whos
relating to or used for showing a name — appearing on objects that indicate whose something is or what something is called.
All employees received a name badge with their photo and job title.
name badge
The conference provided name tags for every participant at the registration desk.
name tag
A small name plate on the door read Dr. Asher Goldstein.
The lawyer placed a polished brass name plate on her new office desk.
- name tag
- name badge
- name plate
Grammar Patterns
name + [noun]
Usage Note
Only used before a noun (attributive). Common compounds include 'name tag', 'name badge', and 'name plate'. This sense cannot be used after 'be' — you cannot say 'The badge is name.'
2. describing the role or character in a play, film, or book that gives the work it
describing the role or character in a play, film, or book that gives the work its title — for example, the character Hamlet in the play Hamlet.
Caleb played the name role in the school production of Macbeth.
name role
The actress who takes the name part must learn over fifty pages of dialogue.
name part
Playing the name character in a Shakespeare play is a huge challenge for any actor.
Shanti won an award for her performance in the name role of the film.
- name role
- name part
- name character
- title role
the more common modern equivalent
- title part
same as title role, less frequently used
Grammar Patterns
name + [noun] (role, part, character)
Usage Note
Previously hyphenated as 'name-role' or written as 'title role'; 'title role' is now the more common form in modern English. Learners should know both forms but prefer 'title role' in writing.
3. having a very good reputation and being widely recognized for high quality — use
having a very good reputation and being widely recognized for high quality — used especially to describe products, companies, or performers that are famous for being excellent.
Shirin prefers to buy name brands because they last longer than cheaper ones.
name brand
The festival booked several name bands to attract a larger crowd.
Name designers often charge much more for the same quality as unknown labels.
A name actor was hired to voice the main character in the animated film.
- name brand
- name actor
- name band
- name designer
- famous
broader; does not specifically imply high quality or reputation
- well-known
general; does not carry the commercial connotation of 'name brand'
- reputable
formal; implies trustworthiness rather than fame
- generic
products without a well-known brand label, usually less expensive
Grammar Patterns
name + [noun] (brand, actor, band)
Usage Note
Only used before the noun it modifies. Particularly common in commercial contexts: 'name brand' describes well-known brand products (which are often more expensive than generic equivalents). 'Name actor' or 'name performer' means a well-known performer who attracts audiences.
4. featuring or made up of many famous and celebrated people, especially in enterta
featuring or made up of many famous and celebrated people, especially in entertainment or sports.
The film had a name cast that included three Oscar-winning actors.
name cast
Organizers put together a name lineup for the summer music festival.
The charity gala attracted a name crowd of celebrities and politicians.
The gallery opening was a name event with artists and collectors flying in from abroad.
- name cast
- name lineup
- name crowd
- star-studded
the more common modern equivalent; used for casts, lineups, events
- all-star
common for sports teams and music lineups
- unknown
made up of people who are not famous
Grammar Patterns
name + [noun] (cast, lineup, band)
Usage Note
Less common than 'star-studded' or 'all-star', which are the more everyday equivalents. Learners will more often hear 'star-studded cast' than 'name cast'. This sense overlaps somewhat with adjective sense 3 (WELL KNOWN) but specifically emphasizes a collection of famous people rather than individual reputation.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
All five words refer to something used to identify or refer to a person or thing, but they differ in scope and context. 'Name' is the broadest everyday word — a person, pet, product, or place can all have a name. 'Title' is more specific: it applies to creative works (books, films, songs) or official positions (job titles, nobility titles). 'Label' is more concrete and physical — it refers to a tag or sticker attached to an object (a price label, a clothing label) and by extension can mean a descriptive category applied to a person or group. 'Designation' is formal and official, used in technical or bureaucratic contexts (a job designation, a designated driver). 'Term' refers to a word or phrase with a precise meaning within a specific field (medical terms, legal terms). For example: 'The name of the café is Sunshine; its title won an award; the price label said $5; his official designation is Project Coordinator; the medical term for this condition is hypertension.'
Common collocations
Nouns
- family name
- first name
- surname
- brand name
- domain name
- user name
- file name
- name tag
- name badge
- name plate
Phrases
- call someone names
- make a name for yourself
- name names
- in all but name
- household name
- big name
- good name
Prepositions
- in the name of
- under the name of
- by the name of
- in name only
- to your name
Etymology
The word 'name' comes from Old English 'nama' and 'noma', which trace back to a Proto-Germanic word *namô. This in turn comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁nómn̥, meaning 'name'. Related words appear across the Indo-European language family — Latin 'nomen' (source of 'nominate', 'noun'), Greek 'ónoma' (source of 'synonym', 'anonymous'), and Sanskrit 'nāman' — all pointing back to the same ancient root.