big name

noun

: a performer or personage of top rank in popular recognition

a big name in the business world

big-name

ˈbig-ˌnām 

adjective

Examples of big name in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Earnings playbook Reporting season gets underway this week, with big names including JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and Netflix leading the pack. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 13 July 2026

Cal Ripken upstaged every big name in the ballpark, hitting a home run and winning the MVP award in his final All-Star appearance to lead the American League over the Nationals 4-1. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Geena Davis wasn’t the first big name that Barbara Holmes heard could play the serial killer who once owned her house. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Fort Worth native Greg Kwedar is roping in a big name for his next film. — Brayden Garcia july 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for big name

• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame
• disclaim
• doorframe
• exclaim
• inflame
• mainframe