What Does “Name sth after sb” Mean?
“Name sth after sb” means to give something the same name as a person, usually to honor or remember them.
Introduction
The phrase “name sth after sb” is commonly used when someone gives a name to a place, object, or even a person in honor of someone else. For example, parents often name their child after a grandparent to show respect or keep a family tradition. The name sth after sb meaning is simple but important in English. It helps express connections between people and things, often showing admiration or memory. Understanding how to use this phrase can improve your speaking and writing, especially in formal and informal contexts.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: name sth after sb (name something after somebody)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B1
- Short meaning: to give something the same name as someone else
Structure (Grammar Rules)
The phrasal verb name sth after sb is inseparable. You cannot put the object between “name” and “after”.
Correct pattern: name + something + after + somebody
- We named our dog after my favorite author.
- She named her daughter after her grandmother.
Incorrect pattern: name after sb sth (wrong)
How to Use “Name sth after sb”?
Use this phrase when you want to explain that something or someone was given a name that honors another person. It is often used when talking about naming babies, buildings, streets, pets, awards, or companies after famous or loved people. The phrase emphasizes the connection between the name and the person it honors.
Examples
People often use “name sth after sb” to show respect or keep memories alive. Here are some examples:
- They named their son after his grandfather.
- The city named the new park after a local hero.
- Our school was named after the founder of the town.
- She named her cat after a famous singer.
- The award was named after a scientist who changed the world.
Common Mistakes
Many learners make common mistakes with this phrase. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: They named after him the building.
- Correct: They named the building after him.
- Incorrect: She named after her mother her daughter.
- Correct: She named her daughter after her mother.
Remember, always put the thing being named directly after “name,” followed by “after” and the person’s name.
Differences / Synonyms
Sometimes, people confuse “name sth after sb” with similar phrases like “call sb after sb” or “dedicate sth to sb.” Here’s the difference:
- Name sth after sb: Giving the same name as someone else.
- Call sb after sb: Less common, but can mean naming a person similarly.
- Dedicate sth to sb: To officially say something is in honor of someone, but not necessarily using their name.
For example, a building can be named after a person or dedicated to them, but naming always involves using the person’s name.
Common Collocations
Here are some common objects and things often named after someone:
- Child: Naming a baby after a relative.
- Street: Cities often name streets after famous people.
- Building: Schools, libraries, or halls can be named after donors or important figures.
- Pet: People sometimes name pets after celebrities or family members.
- Award: Awards or prizes are often named after pioneers in a field.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of name sth after sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here’s a short conversation using “name sth after sb”:
Anna: Have you heard about the new library downtown?
Tom: Yes, I heard they named it after the city’s first mayor.
Anna: That’s a nice way to honor his contribution.
Practice
Try to fill in the blanks with the correct form of “name sth after sb”:
- They __________ their son __________ his grandfather.
- The school was __________ after a famous scientist.
- We decided to __________ our dog __________ our favorite author.
FAQs
- Q: Can you name a pet after a person?
A: Yes, you can name a pet after a person to honor or remember them. - Q: Is “name sth after sb” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable; you cannot place the object after “after.” - Q: What is the difference between “name after” and “dedicate to”?
A: “Name after” means giving the same name, while “dedicate to” means honoring someone without using their name. - Q: Can you use “name sth after sb” in formal writing?
A: Yes, it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Does “name sth after sb” work with places?
A: Yes, places like streets, parks, and buildings are often named after people.
