Name vs. Named — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on February 26, 2024
"Name" is a noun or verb referring to a word or set of words by which a person, place, or thing is known. "Named" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "name," indicating the act of giving a name or identifying by a name.
Difference Between Name and Named
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The word "name" serves as both a noun, describing the label assigned to individuals, places, objects, or concepts, and a verb, which means to assign such a label or to identify something or someone by a label. It is foundational in the formation of identity and communication, providing a means to refer to and distinguish between entities. "Named," being the past tense of the verb "name," specifically relates to the action that has already occurred. It denotes that an entity has been given a name or has been identified by a specific term at some point in the past. This form is often used in storytelling, historical accounts, or in the description of how things came to be known as they are.
"Name" as a verb, it involves the action of designation or nomination, used in contexts ranging from naming a child to naming a successor or identifying elements in a discussion. "Named" can also imply a sense of honor or recognition, as when someone is named after a distinguished person or when an award is named in someone's honor.
The distinction between "name" and "named" is also evident in their grammatical roles and usage. "Name" as a noun or present tense verb fits into sentences where the act of naming is current or ongoing, or when referring to the concept of names in general. "Named" fits into narratives or descriptions that recount past actions, emphasizing the completion of the naming process.
"Name" can signify the concept of identification and the process of naming, while "named" places emphasis on the historical or completed aspect of naming. For instance, a company might name a new product (present tense), whereas a product was named after its inventor (past tense, indicating the action has already been completed).
Comparison Chart
Form
Noun and present tense verb
Past tense and past participle verb
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Function
Identifies or refers to the act of identifying
Indicates the completion of the naming process
Usage Context
General identification, ongoing naming process
Historical or completed naming, recognition
Example Sentence
Every star has a name.
The library was named after the city's founder.
Grammatical Role
Subject or action in present
Action completed in the past
Compare with Definitions
Name
Used in requests for identification.
Please name your favorite book.
Named
Identified or designated in the past.
The street was named in honor of the local hero.
Name
Referring to reputation or renown.
She made a name for herself in the art world.
Named
Indicating historical naming actions.
The award is named after the founder of the company.
Name
A word by which a person, place, or thing is known.
Sunrise Bistro.
Named
Used to describe the origin of a name.
The constellation Orion is named after a hunter in Greek mythology.
Name
To assign a label to someone or something.
They decided to name their daughter Luna.
Named
An illustrious or outstanding person
Joined several famous names for a photograph.
Name
Involved in the process of designation.
The committee will name a new chairperson next week.
Named
Having received a particular name.
Their newly adopted pet was named Max.
Name
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.
Named
Implies recognition or commemoration.
The scholarship was named for the benefactor's parents.
Name
Any nounal word or phrase which indicates a particular person, place, class, or thing.
I've never liked the name my parents gave me so I changed it at the age of twenty.
What's your name?
Puddintane. Ask me again and I'll tell you the same.
Puddintane. Ask me again and I'll tell you the same.
Named
A word or words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from others.
Name
Give the name or identifying characteristics of; refer to by name or some other identifying characteristic property;
Many senators were named in connection with the scandal
The almanac identifies the auspicious months
Named
A word or group of words used to describe or evaluate, often disparagingly
Don't call me names.
Name
A name is a term used for identification by an external observer. They can identify a class or category of things, or a single thing, either uniquely, or within a given context.
Named
Representation or repute, as opposed to reality
A democracy in name, a police state in fact.
Name
A word or set of words by which a person or thing is known, addressed, or referred to
My name is John Parsons
Köln is the German name for Cologne
Named
A distinguished reputation
Made a name for himself as a drummer.
Name
(in the UK) an insurance underwriter belonging to a Lloyd's syndicate.
Named
To give a name to
Named the child after both grandparents.
Name
Give a name to
Hundreds of diseases had not yet been isolated or named
She decided to name the child Edward
Named
To nominate for or appoint to a duty, office, or honor.
Name
Specify (a sum, time, or place) as something desired, suggested, or decided on
The club have asked United to name their price for the striker
Named
To specify or fix
We need to name the time for our meeting.
Name
(of a person or product) having a well-known name
Specialized name brands geared to niche markets
Named
Well-known by a name
A name performer.
Name
A word or words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from others.
Named
Simple past tense and past participle of name
Name
A word or group of words used to describe or evaluate, often disparagingly
Don't call me names.
Named
Given or having a specified name; as, an actor named Harold Lloyd; a building in Cardiff named the Temple of Peace. Contrasted to unnamed.
Name
Representation or repute, as opposed to reality
A democracy in name, a police state in fact.
Named
Bearing the author's name; as, a named source. Opposite of anonymous.
Name
A reputation
Has a bad name.
Named
Given or having a specified name;
They called his name Jesus
Forces...which Empedocles called `love' and `hate'
An actor named Harold Lloyd
A building in Cardiff named the Temple of Peace
Name
A distinguished reputation
Made a name for himself as a drummer.
Named
Bearing the author's name;
A named source
Name
An illustrious or outstanding person
Joined several famous names for a photograph.
Name
To give a name to
Named the child after both grandparents.
Name
To mention, specify, or cite by name
Named the primary colors.
Name
To call by an epithet
Named them all cowards.
Name
Well-known by a name
A name performer.
Name
Those of a certain name; a race; a family.
Name
Authority; behalf.
Halt in the name of the law!
Name
(transitive) To identify as relevant or important
Naming the problem
Name
(transitive) To publicly implicate by name.
The painter was named as an accomplice.
Name
To disclose the name of.
Police are not naming the suspect as he is a minor.
Name
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.
Name
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.
I will get me a name and honor in the kingdom.
He hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin.
The king's army . . . had left no good name behind.
Name
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.
Name
A person, an individual.
They list with women each degenerate name.
Name
To give a distinctive name or appellation to; to entitle; to denominate; to style; to call.
She named the child Ichabod.
Thus was the building leftRidiculous, and the work Confusion named.
Name
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.
Old Yew, which graspest at the stonesThat name the underlying dead.
Name
To designate (a member) by name, as the Speaker does by way of reprimand.
Name
A language unit by which a person or thing is known;
His name really is George Washington
Those are two names for the same thing
Name
By the sanction or authority of;
Halt in the name of the law
Name
A person's reputation;
He wanted to protect his good name
Name
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
Name
Family based on male descent;
He had no sons and there was no one to carry on his name
Name
Assign a specified, proper name to;
They named their son David
The new school was named after the famous Civil Rights leader
Name
Charge with a function; charge to be;
She was named Head of the Committee
She was made president of the club
Name
Mention and identify by name;
Name your accomplices!
Name
Make reference to;
His name was mentioned in connection with the invention
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to have a name?
Having a name means being identified by a specific set of words that distinguishes an individual, place, thing, or concept from others.
How do names affect identity?
Names are a fundamental part of personal identity, potentially influencing self-perception, social interactions, and cultural connections.
How does one choose a name?
Choosing a name can involve cultural, familial, personal preference, or significance related to the meaning or sound of the name.
What does it mean when a product is named after its inventor?
It means the product carries the inventor's name as a form of recognition for their creation or contribution.
What role do names play in branding?
In branding, names are crucial for creating a memorable identity, conveying qualities, and distinguishing a brand from competitors.
What is the significance of being named after someone?
Being named after someone often signifies honor, respect, or a desire to maintain a familial or personal legacy.
Can names change over time?
Yes, names can change through legal processes, marriage, adoption, or personal choice, reflecting changes in identity or life circumstances.
Is it common for places to be named after people?
Yes, many places are named after notable individuals, often to honor their achievements or contributions to the area or society.
How are new scientific terms named?
New scientific terms are often named after discoverers, derived from Latin or Greek roots, or named for their functions or characteristics.
How do authors choose names for their characters?
Authors may choose names based on their meanings, sounds, cultural contexts, or to fit the character's personality or background.
Can a name influence a person's career?
Studies suggest names can impact first impressions and opportunities, though individual talent and effort are paramount to career success.
Why do some people choose to change their names?
People may change their names for reasons such as personal preference, gender identity, marriage, divorce, or to escape negative associations.
What legal processes are involved in changing a name?
Legal name changes typically require submitting a petition to a court, possibly publishing the change, and receiving a court order to change official documents.
How do naming conventions vary globally?
Naming conventions differ widely, including variations in the order of names, the number of given names, and the incorporation of family names.
What considerations are important in naming a child?
Considerations may include cultural and familial traditions, meanings of names, potential nicknames, and the sound of the name with the surname.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
