Namesake
ˈneɪmˌseɪk
Definitions
A person or thing that has the same name as another.
ˈneɪmˌseɪk
A person or thing named after another.
His son was his namesake, carrying on the family name.
💡 Simply: Imagine your best friend's little brother is named after you. He's your namesake because you have the same name! Like when a building or a ship is named after a famous person.
👶 For kids: Someone or something that has the same name as someone or something else.
More Examples
The town was a namesake of its founder, preserving his legacy.
The ship 'Endeavour' was a namesake of the original vessel commanded by Captain Cook.
How It's Used
"The new hospital was named after a famous philanthropist, making it a namesake."
"Queen Victoria's granddaughter, also named Victoria, was her namesake."
From "name" + "sake," originally meaning 'for the sake of the name.' Refers to a person or thing named after another. Early usage dates back to the 16th century.
The term 'namesake' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to something done 'for the sake of the name' and later evolving to its current meaning.
Memory tip
Think of someone who *shares your name* because they are your namesake.
Word Origin
"name + sake (for the sake of)"