9.7.1 Name of a person

Use this domain for words related to the name of a person. Each culture has a system of personal names to identify individuals and kin groups. The subcategories under this heading should reflect the cultural system. If your language has a special set of names that do not fit any of they domains given here, then set up a special domain.

OMC Codes: 
551 Personal Names
Louw Nida Codes: 
9E Persons For Whom There Is Affectionate Concern
93A Persons
  • What words refer to the name of a person?
    name, proper name, proper noun, first name, given name, personal name, middle name, last name, family name, father's name, surname, maiden name, initial, title, identity,
  • What words refer to a name your family or friends use for you that is not your real name?
    nickname, pet name
  • What words refer to a name you use for yourself that is not your real name?
    false name, pseudonym, pen name, stage name, alias, a.k.a. (also known as), under the name of, under an assumed name, go by the name of,
  • What words are used to refer to someone when you can't remember what they are called?
    what's his/her name, whatchamacallit, whatsit, so and so,
  • What words describe someone whose name is not known?
    anonymous, unnamed, unidentified, incognito, unknown, nameless,
  • What words refer to discovering or stating the name of someone whose name has not been known?
    name, identify,
  • What words are used to indicate a person's name?
    someone's name is, be called, be known as, named,
  • What words refer to giving someone a name?
    name (v), call, be christened, give a name to, choose a name, pick a name, call him/her 'name'
  • What words refer to the reason why someone is given a name?
    be named for, be named after, namesake
  • When is a name given?
    naming ceremony, christening
  • What words refer to writing your name?
    sign (your name), signature
  • 9.7.1.1 Personal names

    Use this domain for those names that are given to people, that people use to call to each other and to talk about each other.

  • What are the given names used by people in the language group?
    John, David, Mary, Elizabeth
  • 9.7.1.2 Family names

    Use this domain for the proper names of the families that exist within the language community. If your culture does not use family names, just leave this domain empty.

  • What names are used by all the members of a family?
    Smith, Jones, MacDonald, Johnson
  • 9.7.1.3 Clan names

    Use this domain for the proper names of the clans that exist within the language community. The distinction between family, clan, tribe, and nation is based on politics and emotion. Our purpose here is not to make political statements, but merely to list the names. There may be no distinction between family and clan, in which case ignore this domain and use the domain 'Family names'.

  • What are the proper names of the clans?
    Hatfields, McCoys, Bear Clan
  • 9.7.1.4 Tribal names

    Use this domain for the proper names of the tribes that exist around the language community, including the name of your own tribe. These tribal names may or may not correspond with the names of countries.

  • What are the proper names of the neighboring tribes?
    Saxons, Scots, Welsh, Picts, Irish, Normans, Vikings, Brits, Americans, Aussies, Kiwis, Sioux, Cherokee
  • 9.7.1.5 Names of languages

    Use this domain for the proper names of the languages that are spoken in the area around the language community, including the name of your own language. These language names may or may not correspond with the names of countries. Do not try to include every language name in the world, only the neighboring and important ones. For instance you might want to include the languages that border your own and the national language. Give the form that you use. For instance the German people call their language 'Deutsch', but in English we call it 'German'.

    OMC Codes: 
    101 Identification
  • What are the names of the languages spoken in the area?
    English, Gaelic, Irish, Welsh, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Pidgin English
  • 9.7.1.6 Nickname

    Use this domain for common nicknames--an additional name given to a person later in life, often descriptive. Also include general names used to call or refer to someone when you don't know their name

  • What are the common nicknames?
    buddy, buster, guy, gal, bro, sis
  • What names are used to refer to someone when you don't know their name.
    John Doe, Jane Doe, Joe Blow, GI Joe
  • 9.7.1.7 Terms of endearment

    Use this domain for terms of endearment--a name used by lovers or spouses to express love or intimacy. Some languages may have special names used by close friends.

  • What are the terms of endearment?
    sweetheart, honey, dear