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Names Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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names

[neษชmz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personal

Words or phrases used to identify individuals.

Synonyms

labels, signatures, titles.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
names

Use to refer to the identifying words or phrases by which someone or something is known.

  • 'My name is John
  • ' 'They gave their new pet two names
  • '
titles

Use when referring to the name of a book, movie, or other work, or a term indicating someone's status or position.

  • 'The title of the book is 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
  • ' 'He was given the title of Manager
  • '
labels

Use when referring to a descriptive or identifying tag attached to something, often used to categorize or organize.

  • 'The jar had a label that said 'Strawberry Jam'
  • ' 'She doesn't like being put into a label
  • '
signatures

Use to refer to a person's name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification, often on documents.

  • 'She signed her signature at the bottom of the form
  • ' 'They collected signatures for the petition
  • '

Examples of usage

  • What are your names?
  • Please write down your name on the form.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A word or set of words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to.

Synonyms

appellations, handles, monikers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
names

Used in everyday situations to identify people, places, or things. It is the most general and neutral term.

  • What's your name? / We need to come up with a name for our new product
appellations

Used in formal or literary contexts to denote titles or names given to someone or something, often with an air of respect or distinction.

  • The city has earned the appellation 'The Big Apple'
  • / He was proud of his appellations of nobility
monikers

Used informally or colloquially to refer to a person's nickname, often with a quirky or humorous undertone.

  • He earned the moniker 'The Brain' in college
  • / Her moniker in high school was 'Queen Bee'
handles

Used informally or in slang to refer to someone's nickname or internet alias. It can sometimes carry a casual or playful connotation.

  • What's your handle on Instagram? / He goes by the handle 'Speedy' in online games

Examples of usage

  • His name is John.
  • The cat's name is Fluffy.
Context #3 | Verb

action

To give a name to.

Synonyms

call, identify, label.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
names

Duplicated entry; refer to the first entry for 'names'.
label

Used when assigning a descriptive or categorical tag to someone or something, often implying a simplification or stereotype, and sometimes carrying a negative connotation.

  • It's unfair to label all teenagers as irresponsible.
  • The jar was labeled 'sugar' but actually contained salt.
identify

Used in formal contexts or when determining the identity or characteristics of someone or something.

  • He was able to identify the suspect based on the description given.
  • Doctors identify the symptoms before making a diagnosis.
call

Used when you are addressing someone or something by a particular name or term, often informally or in conversation.

  • Everyone calls him Johnny instead of John.
  • She called her cat over for dinner.

Examples of usage

  • I will name my new puppy Max.
  • She named her company after her grandmother.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, a name can signify family heritage or social status, reflecting one's identity.
  • Many communities have naming ceremonies to celebrate the naming of a child, marking an important cultural ritual.
  • Names can carry meanings; for instance, 'Hannah' means 'grace' in Hebrew, adding deeper significance.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people often form early memories around names, connecting them with emotions and experiences.
  • Names can influence perceptions and biases; for example, having a unique name can lead to assumptions about someoneโ€™s personality.
  • One's name can affect their self-esteem and confidence levels throughout life.

Pop Culture

  • Fictional characters often have names that reflect their personalities, like 'Harry Potter' or 'Alice in Wonderland'.
  • Name trends can change over decades; for example, names like 'Liam' or 'Emma' recently topped popularity charts.
  • Names often influence branding; for instance, unique product names can set a brand apart in a crowded market.

Technology

  • In computer science, naming conventions are crucial as they help in understanding code and functionality.
  • The practice of assigning user 'handles' or usernames on social media has transformed how people identify themselves online.
  • Naming algorithms manage how names are processed in databases, influencing user experience across platforms.

Origin of 'names'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'name' comes from the Old English word 'nama', which has roots in the Proto-Germanic 'namรด'.
  • In many languages, the word for 'name' is derived from similar sources, showing a common linguistic heritage.
  • Names have been used since ancient civilizations for identification, dating back thousands of years.

The word 'names' has its origin from the Old English 'nama', which is related to the German 'Name' and the Dutch 'naam'. The concept of naming has been an essential part of human communication and identity since ancient times, with names carrying cultural, familial, and historical significance.

See also: nameless, namely, naming, nickname, unnamed.

Word Frequency Rank

At #987 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.