was once named

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was once named" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a previous name or title of a person, place, or thing that has since changed. Example: "The city was once named New Amsterdam before it was renamed New York."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

He was once named the fifth-most-eligible bachelor in America by People magazine.

The New York Times

His store was once named one of the top three compact disk stores in the country.

The New York Times

My grandfather was once named the best-dressed person in London, but he didn't pass those genes on to me.

The Guardian - Music

The bar was once named Club 64, an ironic allusion to the 4 June Tiananmen Square crackdown.

The Guardian - Travel

Chestnut Avenue in Hyde Park was once named as the most burgled street in the UK because of the combination.

The Guardian

Which I suppose is one way of saying he was once named the department's artist in residence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The grand boulevards in foreign capitals were once named after these large figures of American legend.

The New York Times - Magazine

All six were once named among the N.B.A.'s top 50 players.

The New York Times - Sports

George Street: A number of streets were once named George, but the main one is now Spruce Street.

The New York Times

CANCERS were once named strictly for the tissue where they originated in the breast, prostate or other part of the body.

The New York Times

Now Little and Great Abington, south-east of Cambridge, have had a shock: they were once named as a possible new-town site, but thought the Northstowe scheme had saved them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with specific details about the timeframe or circumstances surrounding the naming. This provides a richer understanding of the historical or evolutionary context.

Common error

Avoid using "was once named" when the name is still valid or in use. The phrase implies a change, so ensure that the original name is no longer current.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was once named" functions as a descriptor, specifically indicating a past designation that is no longer current. This is confirmed by Ludwig, emphasizing its role in specifying a name change. Examples in Ludwig show its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

14%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was once named" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to indicate that something held a different name in the past, a fact that enhances understanding of its history or evolution. While it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, it also appears in academic and encyclopedic sources. Alternatives like "formerly known as" or "previously called" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The key is to ensure the original name is indeed no longer in use to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly known as

Emphasizes the previous identity of something, highlighting the change in name or designation.

previously called

Directly states the earlier name, focusing on the act of naming in the past.

used to be named

Implies a habitual or continuous state in the past that is now different.

at one time was called

Adds a sense of temporality, specifying that the naming occurred during a particular period.

was originally named

Highlights the initial naming, suggesting a contrast with later changes.

once bore the name

More formal and literary, emphasizing the act of carrying or holding a name.

went by the name of

Focuses on the name that was actively used or recognized.

had the former name of

Explicitly indicates a past name that has been superseded.

in the past was known as

Emphasizes that the naming was in the historical past.

was designated as

Focuses on the act of officially designating something with a name or title.

FAQs

What does "was once named" mean?

The phrase "was once named" indicates that something had a different name in the past, but that name is no longer in use. It suggests a change in designation.

How can I use "was once named" in a sentence?

You can use "was once named" to describe places, people, or things that have undergone a name change. For example, "The city of St. Petersburg "was once named" Petrograd."

What are some alternatives to "was once named"?

Alternatives include "formerly known as", "previously called", or "used to be named". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "is once named"?

No, "is once named" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "was once named", using the past tense of "be" to indicate a past naming event.