derives its name from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "derives its name from" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to explain the origin or source of a name or term. Example: The city of Rome derives its name from the ancient Roman deity, Romulus, who was said to have founded the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It derives its name from the Circassian (Russian: Cherkess) people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It derives its name from "K/S"... or Kirk-slash-Spock.

The Guardian - Books

It derives its name from the sombre aspect of its dark green, sharp, rigid, rather long leaves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It derives its name from the Chalcidic victory won by Thessalian cavalry at the Lelantine Plain separating Eretria and Chalcis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It derives its name from an incident when the hero Yamato Takeru was attacked by Ainu warriors.

Britannica

It derives its name from its strong fresh lemon scent.

Ecological Processes

Nantes derives its name from the Namnètes, a Gallic tribe who made it their capital.

Britannica

The spring derives its name from William Henry Harrison who once owned the land surrounding it.

Wikipedia

The region derives its name from the Dibang River.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cyclopean concrete derives its name from this ancient method.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Objectified" derives its name from the show's format.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "derives its name from", ensure that the source you are citing is accurate and verifiable. Providing incorrect etymological information can undermine your credibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming the origin of a name without proper research. Instead of saying something like "The town obviously derives its name from the river", verify the etymology to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "derives its name from" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the origin or source of a name. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It typically connects a subject (a place, thing, or concept) with the reason or entity behind its name.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "derives its name from" is a common and grammatically sound way to explain the etymology or origin of a name. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, from encyclopedias to news articles. The phrase is particularly useful for providing informative and explanatory details, adding historical or cultural context to the subject. While it's important to verify the accuracy of the source when using this phrase, alternatives like "is named after" or "gets its name from" can be used for variety, although they might carry slightly different connotations. Remember to avoid assumptions and ensure accuracy when exploring the origins of a name.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is named after

Focuses on the person or thing that provides the name.

is called after

A simpler way of stating the naming origin.

gets its name from

A more informal way of saying "derives its name from".

takes its name from

Similar to 'gets its name from', implying a direct source.

borrows its name from

Suggests that the name was taken from another source.

originates from the name

Highlights the origin and specifically mentions the name.

its etymology traces back to

Highlights the linguistic history and origin of the name.

is etymologically related to

Focuses on the etymological roots of the name.

is a namesake of

Indicates that something is named in honor of someone or something else.

finds its roots in

Emphasizes the historical or conceptual basis of the name.

FAQs

How can I use "derives its name from" in a sentence?

You can use "derives its name from" to explain the origin of a name. For example, "The city of Alexandria "derives its name from" Alexander the Great".

What are some alternatives to "derives its name from"?

Some alternatives include "is named after", "gets its name from", or "takes its name from".

Is it better to say "derives its name from" or "is named after"?

Both phrases are correct, but "is named after" is generally used when a place or thing is named after a person, while ""derives its name from"" can apply to various sources including concepts or locations.

What is the etymology of "derives its name from"?

The phrase ""derives its name from"" comes from the verb 'derive', meaning to obtain something from a source, combined with the possessive 'its' referring to the noun 'name' and 'from' indicating the origin or source.