namesake of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "namesake of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one person or thing is named after another. Example: "The city of Washington, D.C. is the namesake of George Washington, the first President of the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is the namesake of Omaha, Nebraska?

The New York Times

To unearth the namesake of -- what else -- Brook Avenue.

The New York Times

Global Studies- Who was Methuselah, the namesake of the tree?

The New York Times

Dara'a, he called her, the namesake of the southern Syrian town where the antigovernment uprising began.

The New York Times

The university serves as the namesake of its hometown State College, Pennsylvania.

The Economist

The product (an iPad magazine called Huffington) is the namesake of the woman (Arianna Huffington).

The New York Times

LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS, Switzerland -- Louis Chevrolet, the namesake of the famed automobile, was not French.

The New York Times

He is also the namesake of Peter Cooper Village, in Manhattan in the East 20s.

The New York Times

Its predecessor was the namesake of an 1810 poem by Wordsworth.

The New York Times

The namesake of Nathan D. Perlman Place was a 20th-century legislator, judge and philanthropist.

The New York Times

This time, the candidate from Tennessee easily defeated the son and namesake of the former president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broader audience, use "namesake of" to easily clarify the etymology or origin of a place, object, or concept.

Common error

Avoid using "namesake of" when you actually mean 'inspired by'. "Namesake of" means directly named after, while 'inspired by' implies influence but not a literal naming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "namesake of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun. It indicates a direct naming relationship, where one entity is named in honor or after another. Ludwig AI demonstrates this function through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

26%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "namesake of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is named after someone or something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in news, media, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "named after" and "in honor of" exist, it's essential to distinguish "namesake of" from phrases like 'inspired by'. Use "namesake of" to establish a direct naming relationship, providing clarity and historical context to the named entity. Understanding this distinction helps ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

named after

Focuses on the act of naming itself, emphasizing the person or thing that provides the name.

in honor of

Highlights that the naming is done as a form of respect or tribute.

takes its name from

Emphasizes the origin of the name, specifically that the name is derived from somewhere else.

bears the name of

Suggests a formal or symbolic connection to the name's origin.

is called after

Indicates that the naming follows a pattern or tradition.

designated after

Suggests an official or formal naming process.

originates from

Highlights the source or beginning of the name, not necessarily a person.

derives from

Focuses on the etymological roots or linguistic transformation of the name.

is a tribute to

Indicates a deliberate act of showing respect or admiration through the naming.

acknowledges the influence of

More broadly recognizes the impact of a person or thing on the named entity.

FAQs

How do I use "namesake of" in a sentence?

Use "namesake of" to show that something is named after someone or something else. For example, "The park is the "namesake of" a local war hero".

What's the difference between "named after" and "namesake of"?

"Named after" is a verb phrase describing the act of naming, while "namesake of" is a prepositional phrase indicating a relationship. You can say 'The ship was named after him' or 'He is the "namesake of" the ship'.

What can I say instead of "namesake of"?

You can use alternatives such as "named after", "in honor of", or "takes its name from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "namesake to" instead of "namesake of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "namesake" is "of". Saying "namesake to" is grammatically incorrect.