namen
A1All registers, from formal to highly informal.
Definition
Meaning
A word or set of words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to.
A reputation or fame. The act of identifying or specifying someone or something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can function as both noun and verb. The verb form often implies the act of assigning, calling, identifying, or nominating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Minor spelling in derivatives (e.g., UK 'surname', US also 'last name' is more common). The verb 'to name names' (identify culprits) is equally common. 'Name after' (UK) / 'name for' (US) when naming a child in honour of someone.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. 'Name and shame' is a common collocation in both. In business, 'brand name' is universal.
Frequency
Extremely high and identical frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
name + object (They named the baby Emma.)name + object + after/for + person (She was named for her grandmother.)name + object + as + role (He was named as the new CEO.)name + names (The witness refused to name names.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the name of the game”
- “a name to conjure with”
- “in name only”
- “make a name for oneself”
- “name names”
- “take someone's name in vain”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to company or brand identity (e.g., 'a trusted name in banking').
Academic
Used in citation ('in the name of the author') and taxonomy ('the scientific name').
Everyday
Ubiquitous for personal identification and reference.
Technical
In computing: variable name, file name. In law: 'party to the action shall be named'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They decided to name the child Arthur.
- Can you name all the capital cities of Europe?
- The report named several ministers involved in the scandal.
American English
- They named their daughter Harper.
- He was named MVP of the tournament.
- The committee will name a new director next week.
adjective
British English
- He's the name partner in the law firm.
- We need a name actor to headline the show.
American English
- It's a name brand, not a generic product.
- She's a name journalist in political circles.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My name is Anna.
- What's your dog's name?
- Write your name at the top of the page.
- I can't remember the name of the restaurant we went to.
- She made a name for herself as a talented painter.
- They named the new park after a local hero.
- The company operates under a different name in Asia.
- He was wrongfully accused and fought for years to clear his name.
- The critic didn't name names, but her article clearly targeted the management.
- The product became a household name within a year of its launch.
- In the name of efficiency, several key protocols were bypassed.
- The species was officially named in the 19th century.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A NAME is what you NA-ME (call me).
Conceptual Metaphor
NAME IS AN IDENTITY TAG; REPUTATION IS A NAME (e.g., 'He gave the company a bad name.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'name' for 'first name' only; it can mean full name. 'Name after' ≠ называть после; it means 'to give the same name as someone else in their honour'. Confusing 'nickname' (прозвище) with just 'name'.
- The verb 'to name' is more specific than называть; it often means 'to give a name' or 'to identify specifically'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'What is your name?' 'It's John Smith.' (Correct: 'My name is John Smith.' as a full reply). Incorrect preposition: 'He was named with his grandfather.' (Correct: '...named after his grandfather.')
- Using 'name' as a countable noun without an article where needed: 'She has good name.' (Correct: 'She has a good name.' meaning reputation).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase means 'to achieve fame'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used for any entity that can be identified: people, animals, places, objects, brands, concepts, and files.
'To name' is to give a specific, permanent identifier. 'To call' is to use a name or term to address someone, often temporarily or descriptively (e.g., 'They called him a liar').
It describes a situation where the title or designation exists formally, but the reality is different (e.g., 'He was the manager in name only; she made all the decisions').
Common phrases are: 'Could I have your full name, please?' or 'May I take your name?' in formal contexts. Informally, 'What's your name?' is sufficient.