namesake

noun

name·​sake ˈnām-ˌsāk How to pronounce namesake (audio)
: one that has the same name as another
especially : one who is named after another or for whom another is named
His grandson and namesake is the spit and image of him … Robert Graves

Examples of namesake in a Sentence

How much did President George Bush influence his son and namesake George W. Bush?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Time to disambiguate some of the namesakes for historically Black elementary and high schools in Texas. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026 Some famous namesakes include actor Chet Hanks (son of Tom Hanks), actor Chet Brandenburg, and basketball player Chet Holmgren. Sarah Scott, Parents, 23 Feb. 2026 As his namesake suggests, handy Willie MacIver made something out of nothing to start a three-run Rangers rally. Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 22 Feb. 2026 Much like its namesake flower, the daffodil cake is a cheerful sign that warmer days are ahead. Sarah Carey, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for namesake

Word History

Etymology

probably from name's sake

First Known Use

circa 1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of namesake was circa 1635

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Cite this Entry

“Namesake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/namesake. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

namesake

noun
name·​sake ˈnām-ˌsāk How to pronounce namesake (audio)
: one that has the same name as another
especially : one named after another

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