DictionaryAI

name

NAYM/neɪm/

Pluralnames

Verbnames, naming, named

12 meanings of name

Practice

  1. 1
    label (word)nouncountable
    The word or words that a person, place, thing, or group is known by.

    Like a label on a box that tells you what is inside.

    Please write your name at the top of the page.

    What is the name of your dog?

    UsageAsk What's your name? (not incorrect: How is your name?).

    Similartitle, label, designation

    Note
  2. 2
    verb
    To choose what a person, animal, or place will be called.

    They decided to name the puppy Buddy.

    She named her daughter after her grandmother.

    UsageSay She was named after her grandmother.

    Similarchristen, dub, call, title

    Note
  3. 3
    designateverbtransitive
    To choose someone for a job or position.

    The coach named her team captain.

    The president will name a new judge next week.

    UsageSay He was named captain.

    Similarnominate

    Oppositedismiss, remove

  4. 4
    reputationnouncountable
    The opinion that people have about a person, group, or company.

    The restaurant has a good name in our neighborhood.

    He worked hard to clear his name after the false story spread.

    UsageSay make a name for yourself: become known.

    Similarreputation, standing, repute

    Note
  5. 5
    specifyverbtransitive
    To say exactly which thing or person you mean, as in name three countries.

    Just name a time, and I'll be there.

    She can name every country in South America.

    UsageSay You name it: anything at all.

    Similarmention, specify, identify, cite, list

    Note
  6. 6
    nouncountable
    A person or company that is famous or important.

    Some of the biggest names in music performed at the festival.

    She's a big name in the world of fashion.

    UsageSay a big name: a famous person.

    Similarplayer, figure

    Note
  7. 7
    verbtransitive
    To tell people who someone is, for example in the news or in a court case.

    The police did not name the driver involved in the crash.

    The newspaper named the winner before the official announcement.

    Similaridentify, reveal, disclose

  8. 8
    on behalfnoun
    The power of a person or group, used when you act or speak for them.

    Open the door in the name of the law!

    She signed the contract in her boss's name.

    UsageUsed in in the name of or in someone's name.

    Similarauthority

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of name apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 1, 4, 6, 8–10

This word comes from Old English "nama." It goes back through the old Germanic language to an ancient Proto-Indo-European root meaning "name."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

Meanings 2–3, 5, 7

This verb comes from Old English "namian," meaning "to name or mention," from an older Germanic word for naming.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts