commonName

Common name is the everyday name used by speakers of a language to refer to a particular species or other taxon, as opposed to its scientific or formal name. Common names vary widely across languages, cultures, and regions, and a single taxon may have multiple different common names. Conversely, some common names are used for more than one taxon, creating potential confusion.

In practice, common names appear in field guides, education, media, and everyday conversation. They are usually easier to remember and pronounce than scientific names, helping non-specialists identify and discuss organisms. However, they can change over time as languages evolve, and some species have no established common name, especially in less-studied groups or regions. Debates over preferred terms—such as “sea star” versus “starfish”—reflect ongoing efforts to balance tradition, accuracy, and clarity.

Common names can be ambiguous or misleading. They may be regionally restricted, refer to different organisms in different places, or imply characteristics that are inaccurate. Homonyms and polysemy can also cause misunderstandings, for example when a name like “buffalo” is used for multiple, unrelated animals in different languages or locales.

Scientific names provide a universal, unique identifier based on formal nomenclature rules established by taxonomic codes (such as the ICN for plants, algae, and fungi, and the ICZN for animals). When writing for diverse audiences, it is common to introduce the scientific name with the common name in parentheses, or vice versa, to ensure precision while remaining accessible. Examples include the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus).