1
a
: a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing
The boy's name is Brad.
b
: a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity
2
: a descriptive often disparaging epithet
called him names
3
a
: reputation
gave the town a bad name
b
: an illustrious record : fame
made a name for himself in golf
c
: a person or thing with a reputation
one of the most detested names in history
5
: appearance as opposed to reality
a friend in name only
6
: one referred to by a name
praise his holy name
named; naming
1
: to give a name to : call
2
a
: to mention or identify by name
refused to name a suspect
b
: to accuse by name
3
: to nominate for office : appoint
4
: to decide on : choose
name the day of the wedding
5
: to mention explicitly : specify
unwilling to name a price
namer
noun
1
: of, relating to, or bearing a name
name tags
2
: appearing in the name of a literary or theatrical production
3
a
: having an established reputation
b
: featuring celebrities
Synonyms
Examples of name in a Sentence
Noun
Please write your name on this line.
State your name and occupation.
I refused to give them my name.
Mark Twain's real name was Samuel Clemens.
She registered at the hotel under a false name.
My full name is Susan Elaine Smith.
We had to memorize the names of all the countries in Africa.
“What's your dog's name?” “His name is Sandy.”
This is his song “Loving You” from the album of the same name.
The ship's name was “Titanic.”
Verb
“What are you going to name your new dog?” “I think I'll name him Sandy.”
The aptly named HMS “Victorious” helped the British Royal Navy win an important victory.
A man named James Smith is on the phone.
We named our daughter “Mary” in honor of her grandmother.
Can you name the person who attacked you?
All of the authors named above were influenced by his work.
She was named to replace him as the company's vice president.
Adjective
the university's physics department boasts a number of name physicists
Recent Examples on the Web
James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Apr. 2024
But the set’s new deluxe edition adds a new third stretch with 13 new cuts, taking the total from 22 to 35, including new collabs from recognizable names like Bryson Tiller, Lil Wayne and (again) Davido.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 17 Apr. 2024
In the 1970s, Laura was the 20th most popular name.
—Laura Trujillo, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024
Yet Bongbong’s desire to rehabilitate the Marcos name has resulted in other shifts.
—Charlie Campbell, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
The beloved romantic comedy is being developed as a Broadway musical by director Jon M. Chu, who helmed the 2018 film of the same name.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 17 Apr. 2024
Only three were allowed to register ahead of a deadline last month — Edmundo González, a former diplomat with minimal name recognition; Manuel Rosales, the 71-year-old governor of the state of Zulia; and Enrique Márquez, a former electoral official.
—Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024
The public was able to vote on the five names on a special webpage for the kids, which drew a total of 3,300 votes.
—The Arizona Republic, 17 Apr. 2024
Researchers used white male-sounding names like Dustin and Scott; white female-sounding names like Claire and Abigail; Black male-sounding names like DaQuan and Jamal; and Black female-sounding names like Janae and Keyana.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024
Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2024
Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino named Green the Razorbacks’ starter on Tuesday.
—Ron Counts, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2024
In 2002, an orca calf who came to be named Springer was spotted alone in Puget Sound, prompting an extensive capture and relocation effort.
—Sara Smart, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024
Because he was not charged, The Star is not naming him.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2024
Burg said that older neighborhoods were typically named by their residents, with monikers borrowing from the area’s geographic features or institutions.
—Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 6 Apr. 2024
After Republicans introduced the legislation to name the airport located outside the nation's capital after Trump, Connolly floated renaming a prison after Trump.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024
Cori, 7 Cody and Brandi celebrated the arrival of their second child together, a daughter named Cori, in 2017.
—Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024
The only problem is the child, a boy named Damien (Harvey Spencer Stephens), turns out to be the literal Antichrist, a.k.a.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024
Vulture, 23 June 2022
Although pancake mix and syrup are not sold out in most stores, most popular or name brand items are harder to come by.
—Dallas News, 26 Apr. 2020
Noun
The project would be an English-language adaptation of the story, which was loosely based on a magna with the same name.
—James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Apr. 2024
But the set’s new deluxe edition adds a new third stretch with 13 new cuts, taking the total from 22 to 35, including new collabs from recognizable names like Bryson Tiller, Lil Wayne and (again) Davido.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 17 Apr. 2024
In the 1970s, Laura was the 20th most popular name.
—Laura Trujillo, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024
Yet Bongbong’s desire to rehabilitate the Marcos name has resulted in other shifts.
—Charlie Campbell, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
The beloved romantic comedy is being developed as a Broadway musical by director Jon M. Chu, who helmed the 2018 film of the same name.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 17 Apr. 2024
Only three were allowed to register ahead of a deadline last month — Edmundo González, a former diplomat with minimal name recognition; Manuel Rosales, the 71-year-old governor of the state of Zulia; and Enrique Márquez, a former electoral official.
—Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024
The public was able to vote on the five names on a special webpage for the kids, which drew a total of 3,300 votes.
—The Arizona Republic, 17 Apr. 2024
Researchers used white male-sounding names like Dustin and Scott; white female-sounding names like Claire and Abigail; Black male-sounding names like DaQuan and Jamal; and Black female-sounding names like Janae and Keyana.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024
Verb
Suarez on Friday was named MLS Player of the Month for February/March.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2024
Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino named Green the Razorbacks’ starter on Tuesday.
—Ron Counts, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2024
In 2002, an orca calf who came to be named Springer was spotted alone in Puget Sound, prompting an extensive capture and relocation effort.
—Sara Smart, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024
Because he was not charged, The Star is not naming him.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2024
Burg said that older neighborhoods were typically named by their residents, with monikers borrowing from the area’s geographic features or institutions.
—Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 6 Apr. 2024
After Republicans introduced the legislation to name the airport located outside the nation's capital after Trump, Connolly floated renaming a prison after Trump.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024
Cori, 7 Cody and Brandi celebrated the arrival of their second child together, a daughter named Cori, in 2017.
—Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024
The only problem is the child, a boy named Damien (Harvey Spencer Stephens), turns out to be the literal Antichrist, a.k.a.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024
Adjective
As interesting as the pro-name change argument may be, Zaslav may ultimately decide it’s not worth the investment in time and resources to make what is at the core a cosmetic change.
—Vulture, 23 June 2022
Although pancake mix and syrup are not sold out in most stores, most popular or name brand items are harder to come by.
—Dallas News, 26 Apr. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'name.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English, from Old English nama; akin to Old High German namo name, Latin nomen, Greek onoma, onyma
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of name was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing name
Dictionary Entries Near name
Cite this Entry
“Name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
name
1 of 3 noun1
: a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known
2
: a descriptive often insulting word or phrase
called him names
3
: reputation sense 2
made a name for herself
4
: appearance as opposed to fact
a friend in name only
name
2 of 3 verb
named; naming
1
: to give a name to : call
2
a
: to mention or identify by name
b
: to accuse by name
name the culprit
3
: to nominate for office : appoint
named the diplomat Secretary of State
4
: to decide upon : choose
name the date for a wedding
5
: to mention specifically
name a price
namer
noun
name
3 of 3 adjective1
: bearing a name
name tag
2
: having an established reputation
name performers
name brands
More from Merriam-Webster on name
Nglish: Translation of name for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of name for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about name
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