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How to Say "name" in Spanish

English → Spanish

nombre

/nom-breh//ˈnom.bɾe/

NounA1General
Use 'nombre' when referring to a person's given name or a title, like in 'What is your name?' or 'The dish is called...'.
A simple name tag with a blank space for a name, with a friendly hand pointing to it.

Examples

¿Cuál es tu nombre?

What is your name?

Mi nombre es Sofía.

My name is Sofía.

Le pusieron el nombre de su abuela.

They gave her her grandmother's name.

Es una científica de gran nombre en su campo.

She is a scientist with a great name/reputation in her field.

Always a 'Masculine' Word

Even if it's a woman's name, the word 'nombre' itself is always masculine. So you say 'el nombre' (the name) or 'un nombre bonito' (a pretty name).

Mixing up 'nombre' and 'apellido'

Mistake: “Pensé que tu nombre era García.”

Correction: Pensé que tu apellido era García. Use 'nombre' for a first name (like 'David') and 'apellido' for a last name (like 'García').

nombre

/nom-breh//ˈnom.bɾe/

NounB2General
Use this sense of 'nombre' for abstract concepts of fame or renown, especially when referring to someone's significant standing in a field.
A simple name tag with a blank space for a name, with a friendly hand pointing to it.

Examples

Es una científica de gran nombre en su campo.

She is a scientist with a great name/reputation in her field.

¿Cuál es tu nombre?

What is your name?

Mi nombre es Sofía.

My name is Sofía.

Le pusieron el nombre de su abuela.

They gave her her grandmother's name.

Always a 'Masculine' Word

Even if it's a woman's name, the word 'nombre' itself is always masculine. So you say 'el nombre' (the name) or 'un nombre bonito' (a pretty name).

Mixing up 'nombre' and 'apellido'

Mistake: “Pensé que tu nombre era García.”

Correction: Pensé que tu apellido era García. Use 'nombre' for a first name (like 'David') and 'apellido' for a last name (like 'García').

fama

FAH-mah/ˈfa.ma/

NounB1General
Choose 'fama' when talking about a general reputation, especially a positive one, or good standing in the community.
A skilled carpenter confidently handing a perfectly crafted wooden object to another person, who looks at the object with clear trust and admiration, symbolizing a good reputation.

Examples

Ese hotel tiene fama de tener el mejor servicio de la ciudad.

That hotel has a reputation for having the best service in the city.

Perdió su buena fama después del escándalo.

He lost his good reputation after the scandal.

reputación

NounB1General
Use 'reputación' to refer to how someone or something is generally perceived, often implying a specific quality or status.

Examples

Ella tiene una reputación excelente como doctora.

She has an excellent reputation as a doctor.

llame

YAH-meh / SHAH-meh (in certain regions)/ˈʎa.me/

VerbA1Formal
Use 'llame' as a formal command or suggestion related to calling something by a name, often in a hypothetical or unknown situation.
A joyful illustration of an adult holding a small baby up gently, representing the act of naming or identification.

Examples

No sé cómo se llame ese plato, pero es delicioso.

I don't know what that dish is called (may be named), but it is delicious.

Espero que le llame Juan a su hijo.

I hope he names his son Juan.

Piense en un nombre que llame la atención.

Think of a name that draws attention.

The Passive Idea of Being Called

When asking for a name, you use the reflexive form 'se llame': '¿Cómo quiere que se llame?' (What do you want it to be called?).

Nombre vs. Fama/Reputación

Learners often confuse 'nombre' (personal name) with 'fama' or 'reputación' (reputation). Remember that 'nombre' is for a specific identifier like a person's given name or the title of a work, while 'fama' and 'reputación' describe the general standing or perception of someone or something.

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