name
/neɪm/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A word or words used to identify a person, place, thing, or idea. It is how we call or refer to someone or something.
- My name is Riya.
- Please write your full name.
- Delhi is the city’s name.
verb
To say or write the word for someone or something. It can also mean to choose or appoint someone for a job or role.
- Can you name this bird?
- She named her son Arjun.
- They named him team leader.
Adinary Nuance
Name is broader than term or label because it can identify a person, place, or thing directly. It is also more personal than title, which usually shows rank, respect, or job position. In formal writing, name is the safest general word when you want to identify something clearly.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tên
- Spanish
- nombre
- Chinese
- 名字
- Japanese
- 名前
- Korean
- 이름
Etymology
Old English nama, from Proto-Germanic *namô. It is related to words in many Germanic languages, such as German Name and Dutch naam.
Common phrases
full nameby namein name onlyhousehold name
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a name and a title?
- A name identifies a person or thing. A title shows rank, respect, or a job role.
- Is name a noun or a verb?
- It can be both. As a noun, it means a word for someone or something. As a verb, it means to give or say that word.
- Is full name used in formal writing?
- Yes. It is common in forms, documents, and official records.
- Can I use name in business English?
- Yes. It is very common in business and academic writing for identification.