plural names
1
: a word or phrase that refers to or that can refer to a specific person
"What's his (first) name?" "His name is Jacob."
I took my husband's (last) name when we got married.
Please write/sign your name on this line.
State your name and occupation.
I refused to give/tell them my name.
She has one of the most famous names [=she is one of the most famous people] in show business.
Can you give me the name of a good dentist? [=do you know a good dentist that I could use?]
Mark Twain's real name was Samuel Clemens.
She registered at the hotel under/using a false/assumed name.
Samuel Clemens wrote under the name (of) Mark Twain.
My full name is Susan Elaine Smith.
Her name is Susan, but she goes by the name (of) Sue. [=people call her Sue]
Do you know a man by the name of [=do you know a man named] James Smith?
She now owns several restaurants that bear her name. [=that are named after her]
Can I put your name down for a donation? [=can I write down your name on the list of people who are giving a donation?; would you like to make a donation?]
2
a
: a word or phrase that refers to a specific place or thing
We had to memorize the names of all the countries in Africa.
"What's your dog's name?" "His name is Sandy."
What was the name [=title] of that movie we saw last night?
This is his song "Loving You" from the album of the same name.
The ship's name was "Titanic."
The band takes/gets its name from [=it is named after] its hometown.
The company gives/lends its name to one of the biggest golf tournaments in the country. [=the golf tournament is named after the company]
b
: a word or phrase that refers to a type or group of things
Psychologists have a name for this kind of behavior.
Is there a name for the part of the leg behind the knee?
The cougar is also known by the names "puma" and "mountain lion."
The plant's botanical/scientific name is Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, but we know it by its common name "daisy."
True to their name, killer bees have been known to kill people. = As their name implies/suggests, killer bees really do kill. = Killer bees really live up to their name. = Killer bees are known to kill people, hence the name.
3
: the general opinion that most people have about someone or something
A few dishonest players have given the sport a bad name. [=they have made people think badly about the sport]
I won't let you ruin our family's good name. [=good reputation]
He's still trying to clear his name. [=to prove that he is not guilty of a crime]
4
: a famous person or thing
He's one of the biggest names in music.
Our agency has represented some of the most famous names in the business.
The following year, she took the role that would make her a household name. [=a very well-known person]
5
: a word or phrase that is used to describe and insult someone
a bad/dirty name
—usually pluralSticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me!
"You're such a stupid jerk!" "Hey, don't call me names!"
A bully at school was calling her names.
names; named; naming
1
: to give a name to (someone or something)
"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.
Alzheimer's disease was named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. = (US) It was named for Dr. Alois Alzheimer.
2
: to say the name of (someone or something)
Can you name the person who attacked you?
All of the authors named above were influenced by his work.
"How many of the 50 states of the U.S. can you name?" "Well, there's New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, to name (but/just/only) a few."
3
: to choose (someone) to be (something)
The company president named [=appointed] his son (as) his successor.
She was named to replace him as the company's vice president.
She has been named (as) the winner of the competition.
The magazine named him (as) the best artist of the year.
4
: to decide on or choose (something)
NASA has not yet named [=set] the date for the shuttle launch.
We've decided to get married, but we haven't named the day (of the wedding) yet.
always used before a noun
chiefly US
: having a well-known name and good reputation
We got a couple of name [=big-name] bands for the show.
books by name authors
name players
Cite this Entry
“Name.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/name. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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