nom
/nɔ̃/masculine
The English phrase 'name' is translated into French as nom.
The noun nom refers to a word or phrase that indicates a particular person, place, class or thing. Related verbs include nommer, which can mean to designate for a role or to give a name to and dénommer, which specifically means to give a name to.
Meaning: word or phrase indicating a particular person, place, class or thing (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between different types of names. While nom refers to a name (often used for the surname in formal contexts), prénom is used specifically for a person's given name or first name. If you want to be precise and avoid confusion with a first name, use the phrase nom de famille to mean surname or last name.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use nom to mean 'first name' because they translate 'name' directly, but in French, nom frequently implies the family name in administrative contexts.
Did you know?
- The French phrase nom de guerre originally referred to a name adopted by soldiers to distinguish themselves in battle.
- The English word 'nominal' is a direct relative of the French nom, referring to things that exist in name only.
- In French, a 'nom de plume' is a pseudonym used by a writer to hide their identity or create a professional persona.
Examples in context
- Mon nom est Tom.My name is Tom.Tatoeba #1850474 by nimfeo, translation #1173265 by cntrational
- Mon nom est Shu.My name is Shu.Tatoeba #2695327 by Micsmithel, translation #1460042 by piksea
- Mon nom est Wang.My name is Wang.Tatoeba #374853 by sysko, translation #374852 by sysko
- 1272 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are filling out a registration form.
- LéaQuel est ton nom de famille ?What is your last name?
- GabrielMon nom est Bernard.My name is Bernard.
- LéaC'est un nom très courant.That is a very common name.
- GabrielOui, c'est vrai, Léa.Yes, that's true, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “name” translations and entries nom, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
