Variantnamn

Variantnamn is a term used to describe an alternate or variant name for the same entity. It covers different spellings, forms in different languages, historical names, and trade or brand names. The concept is used in linguistics, lexicography, taxonomy, and data management to support identification and retrieval across diverse sources.

In linguistics and dictionaries, variantnamn includes synonyms, transliterations, and dialectal spellings. In biology and botany, variantnamn are often treated as synonyms of the accepted scientific name, while the valid name is the one currently in formal use. In chemistry and industry, common names, trade names, and registry numbers are variants that refer to the same substance. In software and products, variantnamn reflect localization or branding differences (for example, a chemical could be known as 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin, ASA).

Data management practice links every variantnamn to a canonical or preferred name to support search, indexing, and disambiguation. Historical data can include many variantnamn for a single item, which requires provenance and date-aware matching.

See also: synonym, alias, transliteration, alternative name, canonical name.