i was named

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was named" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the name given to you at birth or a name you were assigned later in life. Example: "I was named after my grandmother, who was a strong and inspiring woman."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That's how I was named".

The New Yorker

Four years later, I was named "all-university athlete".

The New York Times

I was named C.E.O. in the succession plan.

The New York Times

"I was named after Gary Player, the South African golfer.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was named Olegario when I was born, but people have always called me Lalo.

The New Yorker

In 1994, I was named to the company's board as sales director.

The New York Times

And in mid-2008, I was named president and C.E.O. of Molson Coors Brewing.

The New York Times

In 2007, the center's C.E.O., Joseph Alen, retired, and I was named to replace him.

The New York Times

I was named chief executive in September 2008, just as the financial recession began.

The New York Times

"And after all I was named for both the devil and the angel.

The New York Times

In the first 30 days, I was named to a list of the most impressive XYZ.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain consistency in tense when writing about events related to your naming. If you're discussing past events, keep the surrounding sentences in the past tense.

Common error

While "I was named" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive voice in your writing. When appropriate, consider using the active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "I was named administrator of the estate," you could write "They named me administrator of the estate."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was named" functions as a statement of identity, indicating the origin of one's given name or a designation, as supported by Ludwig's examples. It employs a passive construction, focusing on the receiver of the action rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was named" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of receiving a name, whether at birth or later in life. Ludwig AI confirms this with many examples from various reliable sources. The phrase finds common application across varied contexts, with a notable prevalence in News & Media. When writing, be mindful of maintaining consistent tense and consider using the active voice when appropriate to enhance clarity and engagement. You can also use alternatives like "I was given the name" or "I received the name".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i received the name

Focuses on receiving the name rather than the act of naming.

i was given the name

Emphasizes the act of someone giving the name.

my name was

States the name directly, omitting the active naming.

they called me

Indicates the act of calling by a particular name.

i go by the name

Highlights the current use of a name.

i'm known as

Emphasizes the common recognition of the name.

i was appointed

If the context is regarding a new position instead of the birth name, this means getting assigned to that role.

i was designated

Highlights a formal selection or assignment of the name.

i have been called

Focuses on the continuous state of being called something.

my parents named me

Specifies the actors who performed the naming.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I was named" and "My name is"?

"I was named" describes the action of being given a name, often implying a reason or origin. "My name is" simply states your current name without context.

What can I say instead of "I was named after"?

Alternatives include "I was named in honor of", "I am named after", or "I was named for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I have been named" instead of "I was named"?

Yes, "I have been named" is grammatically correct and can be used, but it often implies a more recent or formal naming. "I was named" is more general and common.

How to use "I was named" in a sentence?

You can use "I was named" followed by the name and then any relevant context. For example: "I was named John, after my grandfather" or "I was named CEO of the company".