Name /(nām)/

Name

n.
  1. The title by which any person or thing is known or designated; a distinctive specific appellation, whether of an individual or a class.
    Whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
    — Gen. ii. 19.
    What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.
  2. A descriptive or qualifying appellation given to a person or thing, on account of a character or acts.
    His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
    — Is. ix. 6.
  3. Reputed character; reputation, good or bad; estimation; fame; especially, illustrious character or fame; honorable estimation; distinction.
    What men of name resort to him?
    Far above . . . every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
    — Eph. i. 21.
    I will get me a name and honor in the kingdom.
    — 1 Macc. iii. 14.
    He hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin.
    — Deut. xxii. 19.
    The king's army . . . had left no good name behind.
  4. Those of a certain name; a race; a family.
    The ministers of the republic, mortal enemies of his name, came every day to pay their feigned civilities.
  5. A person, an individual. [Poetic]
    They list with women each degenerate name.

Phrases & Compounds
Christian name
The name a person receives at baptism, as distinguished from surname; baptismal name; in western countries, it is also called a first name.
Given name
See under Given.
In name
in profession, or by title only; not in reality; as, a friend in name.
In the name of
In behalf of; by the authority of.
Name plate
a plate as of metal, glass, etc., having a name upon it, as a sign; a doorplate.
Pen name
a name assumed by an author; a pseudonym or nom de plume.
Proper name
a name applied to a particular person, place, or thing.
To call names
to apply opprobrious epithets to; to call by reproachful appellations.
To take a name in vain
to use a name lightly or profanely; to use a name in making flippant or dishonest oaths.
Syn. -- Appellation; title; designation; cognomen; denomination; epithet.

-- Name, Appellation, Title, Denomination. Name is generic, denoting that combination of sounds or letters by which a person or thing is known and distinguished. Appellation, although sometimes put for name simply, denotes, more properly, a descriptive term (called also agnomen or cognomen), used by way of marking some individual peculiarity or characteristic; as, Charles the Bold, Philip the Stammerer. A title is a term employed to point out one's rank, office, etc.; as, the Duke of Bedford, Paul the Apostle, etc. Denomination is to particular bodies what appellation is to individuals; thus, the church of Christ is divided into different denominations, as Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, etc.

Name

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Named; p. pr. & vb. n. Naming

  1. To give a distinctive name or appellation to; to entitle; to denominate; to style; to call.
    She named the child Ichabod.
    — 1 Sam. iv. 21.
    Thus was the building left Ridiculous, and the work Confusion named.
  2. To mention by name; to utter or publish the name of; to refer to by distinctive title; to mention.
    None named thee but to praise.
    — Halleck.
    Old Yew, which graspest at the stones That name the underlying dead.
  3. To designate by name or specifically for any purpose; to nominate; to specify; to appoint; as, to name a day for the wedding; to name someone as ambassador.
    Whom late you have named for consul.
  4. To designate (a member) by name, as the Speaker does by way of reprimand. (House of Commons)