name
gb/nˈeɪm/ us/nˈeɪm/
A1
English
~ 1600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A1
entity
1
Word by which someone is known
The word people use to call or talk about a person.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s name
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'name' with 'surname' or 'nickname'. 'Name' can mean the whole identifying word(s), not just the family name.
Synonyms
designation (More formal term, often used in official contexts.)
Antonyms
anonymity (Refers to the state of having no name known.)
Collocations
full name
|first name
|last name
|middle name
|call by name
Themes
identity
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|communication
|relationships
Examples
- Her name is Sarah Johnson.
- Please write your full name at the top of the form.
- He forgot my name after we met.
Learner examples
- My name is Tom.
- What is your name?
- I can’t remember his name.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Word for something's title
The word people use to talk about a thing, place, or group.
Usage pattern:
the name of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'name' with 'word' — a 'name' is a special kind of word used for identification.
Synonyms
title (Often used for books, works of art, or positions rather than general objects.)
Collocations
brand name
|street name
|company name
|product name
Themes
identity
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The street name was changed after the war.
- Do you know the name of this song?
- That company changed its name last year.
Learner examples
- This is the name of my school.
- What is the name of this city?
- I like the name of that shop.
Verb
A2
action
3
Give someone or something a name
To choose and say a word for someone or something so people know what to call it.
Usage pattern:
to name [someone/something] [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'name' with 'call' in patterns — 'name someone something' is more formal and deliberate than 'call someone something'.
Synonyms
call (Informal; can mean to refer to by a certain word without formal naming.)
Collocations
name after
|name officially
|name correctly
Themes
identity
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They decided to name their daughter Emma.
- The committee will name a new leader next week.
- He named his dog after his favorite musician.
Learner examples
- We will name the baby Anna.
- The teacher named me class leader.
- I named my cat Snow.
Noun
B1
entity
4
Reputation or public standing
What people think about someone or something when they hear the word for it.
Common mistake:
Learners may take this sense literally and confuse it with the identifying word meaning; here it refers to reputation.
Synonyms
reputation (Direct synonym; reputation refers to public opinion broadly, while 'name' in this sense is more figurative.)
Antonyms
infamy (Refers to being known for something bad.)
Collocations
make a name for oneself
|good name
|bad name
Themes
reputation
|society
|core_vocabulary
|communication
|business
Examples
- She made a name for herself as a talented writer.
- The scandal ruined his good name.
- That restaurant has a name for excellent service.
Learner examples
- He has a good name in the city.
- The school has a bad name now.
- She made a name in music.
Grammar
Dictionary form
name
IPA
GB/nˈeɪm/
US/nˈeɪm/
Syllables & stress
name (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (name)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: name
- Plural: names
Verb
- Base: name
- 3rd Person Singular: names
- Present Participle: naming
- Past: named
Word family
Expressions
call someone names
1/kˈɔl sˈʌmwˌʌn nˈeɪmz/
idiom
informal
Insult with mean words
To say unkind words to someone to hurt them.
Examples
- The children were calling him names on the playground.
- She got upset when they called her names.
in the name of [something]
1/ˈɪn ðə nˈeɪm əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
For the sake of something
To do something to support or represent an idea, person, or thing.
Examples
- They fought in the name of freedom.
- In the name of science, we must continue this research.
make a name for oneself
1/mˈeɪk ə nˈeɪm fɚ wˌʌnsˈɛlf/
idiom
Become famous or respected
To become known and respected for doing something well.
Examples
- She made a name for herself in the fashion industry.
- She made a name for herself in the art world.
- He quickly made a name for himself as a skilled lawyer.
- He quickly made a name for himself as a talented chef.