What does name mean?
A name is the word or set of words by which someone or something is identified, whether a person, place, object, organization, or abstract idea. Used as a noun, it can also denote someone's reputation or standing: a person may have a good name, a bad name, or make a name for themselves. The phrase “a big name” refers to someone prominent or influential. As a verb, naming means identifying someone by their name, formally assigning a name, or referring to someone in a specified way. For example, one may name a child, name a ship, name a suspect, or name a particular concern as the cause of a problem. The word is common in both formal and informal English, although the verb often sounds more official when it means formally choosing or assigning a name. It also plays an important role in identity, recognition, authority, and storytelling, because naming distinguishes individuals and gives them a lasting place in shared language.
The word or set of words by which a person, place, thing, or idea is identified; by extension, a person's reputation or prominence.
"The mountain's name appears on several different maps."
The reputation sense often carries evaluative language such as “good name” or “bad name.”
To identify someone or something by name, assign a name, or refer to someone or something in a specified way.
"The artist refused to name her model."
Naming or formally choosing a name is common in official, commemorative, and legal contexts.
The plural is used for multiple names or for a group considered collectively.
"The winners' names were announced after the ceremony."
Your name is only one label: even a word like “river” conceals a long history of languages and landscapes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does name come from?
The English word descends from Old English nama, which came from Proto-Germanic *namô and ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root associated with assigning or distributing a name or designation. Its relatives include Dutch naam and German Name. Latin nomen, the source of words such as nominate and nominal, and Greek onoma, associated with nomenclature, reflect cognates from the same broad Indo-European naming tradition.
Related word forms
How name is actually used
The noun can be broadly neutral when it simply identifies someone, but in expressions such as “make a name for oneself” it refers to reputation or achievement. The informal phrase “a big name” means a prominent or influential person. In the verb sense, “name” often has a formal tone, whereas “call” is more common in everyday speech.