their name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their name" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the name of a person or group in a context where the subject is already known or has been mentioned. Example: "I asked them what their name was." Alternative expressions include "his or her name" and "the name of the person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's their name?

The New York Times

Their name may mean something".

The New York Times - Sports

It's their name.

The New York Times

Their name explains why.

The New York Times - Arts

Their name is Gottlieb.

The New York Times

Their name reveals all.

The Guardian - Sport

Their name seems forbidding.

The Guardian - Music

Just their name.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was their name".

The New York Times

Some change their name.

The Guardian - Books

Handle them with care, whatever their name.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a group, ensure that you use "their name" consistently to avoid confusion and maintain clarity throughout your text.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "their", which indicates possession, with "there", which indicates a place, or "they're", which is a contraction of "they are". For example, "their name" (correct) vs. "they're name" (incorrect).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their name" functions as a possessive determiner followed by a noun. It indicates that the name belongs to or is associated with a group of people or an individual whose gender is either unknown or non-binary. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where "their name" is used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

35%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "their name" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to denote the name associated with a group, an unspecified individual, or in a gender-neutral context. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is generally correct and very common across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using "their name", remember to avoid confusion with homophones like "there" or "they're". Consider alternatives such as "what they go by" or "their moniker" to add variety to your writing and enhance clarity. Using "their name" appropriately demonstrates respect and inclusivity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Their given name

Specifies the first name, adding a level of formality.

What they go by

Focuses on the name someone commonly uses, which may not be their legal name.

What they are called

A more descriptive way to ask or state someone's name.

Their moniker

Uses a less formal term for name, implying a nickname or alias.

Their identification

Emphasizes the name as a form of identifying someone.

The designation they use

Highlights the chosen or preferred name or title.

The title they hold

Focuses on a formal title or designation someone possesses.

Their appellation

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for name or designation.

Their professional title

Highlights the name used in a professional context, emphasizing status.

Their trade name

Highlights the name used in a commercial context, emphasizing brand or identity.

FAQs

How do I properly use "their name" in a sentence?

"Their name" indicates possession by a group or unspecified individual. For example, "The band got "their name" from a comic book character."

What's the difference between "his name", "her name", and "their name"?

"His name" refers to a male, "her name" refers to a female, and "their name" is used when referring to a group, gender-neutral context, or when the gender is unknown.

Can I use "their name" when referring to a singular person?

Yes, "their name" is often used as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun to refer to a person whose gender is unknown or who identifies as non-binary. This usage is becoming increasingly common.

What are some alternatives to using "their name" to avoid repetition?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "their moniker", "what they go by", or simply repeat the name itself if it doesn't cause confusion.