eponymous

Eponymous is an adjective used to describe something that is named after a person, or something that bears the name of a particular person. The term derives from the Greek epōnymos, meaning “named after,” from epi- “upon” plus onoma “name.” The related noun is eponym, referring to the person after whom something is named, and the process is known as eponymy.

Usage and examples

Eponymous naming occurs widely in science, medicine, geography, and history. Many diseases, discoveries, and places carry the name of their discoverer or honoree, such as Alzheimer’s disease or archaisms that commemorate individuals. In culture and the arts, eponymy describes works whose title or main character shares a person’s name. For example, a work with an eponymous hero features the protagonist whose name is also the title or central referent. A self-titled album or film is commonly described as eponymous.

Nuances

The term highlights attribution or honor given to a person through naming. It can also raise questions about the person’s legacy or about the appropriateness of naming in a given context. Eponymy should not be confused with toponyms, which concern place names, or with generic naming that is not tied to a specific person.

In summary, eponymous denotes naming that directly references a person, whether in scientific nomenclature, artistic works, or cultural artifacts.