is named after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is named after" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe the origin of a name. For example: The city of York is named after the Roman city of Eboracum.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The family restaurant is named after her.

The New York Times - Arts

A middle school is named after him.

The New York Times

It is named after President James Garfield.

The New York Times - Books

It is named after me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Asteroid Kaltenegger7734 is named after her.

Cornell University

A local bus is named after him.

The Guardian - Sport

The title character is named after Lulu.

The New York Times - Books

Hamieh's son is named after him.

The New Yorker

The foundation is named after his parents.

The New York Times

Public School 32 is named after him.

The New York Times

Justin's is named after Puffy's young son, but almost everything else is named after Puffy himself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is named after", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what the subject is being named in honor of. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures what is receiving the name and what it is named after. For instance, be clear about whether a building is named after a person or vice versa.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is named after" functions as a passive verb construction used to indicate the origin or inspiration behind a particular name. As Ludwig AI shows, it is often used to describe how places, people, or things receive their names.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is named after" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to explain the origin of a name. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news reports, academic papers, and scientific articles. It serves the purpose of clarifying the reason or inspiration behind a name, whether it's to honor someone, commemorate an event, or reflect a particular characteristic. The phrase's versatility and wide acceptance make it a valuable tool for clear and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes its name from

Highlights the derivation of the name from a specific origin.

is titled after

Focuses on the act of giving a title that reflects the source of inspiration.

is a namesake of

Indicates a direct connection where one entity shares a name with another.

is a tribute to

Highlights that the name is intended as an act of respect or admiration.

is dedicated to

Emphasizes the element of dedication or honor in the naming.

is known as after

Suggests a common or popular association, indicating public knowledge of the naming connection.

borrows its moniker from

Implies a more informal or creative adoption of a name.

is styled after

Emphasizes that the name is designed to resemble another name, often carrying connotations of the original.

draws its denomination from

More formal, suggesting the official source or origin of the name.

commemorates

Focuses on the act of remembering and honoring someone through the naming.

FAQs

How can I use "is named after" in a sentence?

Use "is named after" to indicate that something has been given a particular name to honor or remember someone or something. For example, "The park is named after the city's founder."

What are some alternatives to "is named after"?

Alternatives include "takes its name from", "is dedicated to", or "is titled after" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "is named after" or "is named for"?

Both "is named after" and "is named for" are generally considered correct and interchangeable, although "is named after" is more commonly used.

What's the difference between "is named after" and "commemorates"?

"Is named after" simply indicates the origin of a name, while "commemorates" implies a deliberate act of honoring or remembering someone or something through the naming.