mononym

A mononym is a name consisting of a single word used to refer to a person, a group, or an entity. Etymology: from Greek monos 'one' and onoma 'name'. In linguistics and onomastics, a mononym is contrasted with multi-word names and surnames.

In contemporary usage, many performers and public figures are known by a mononym—their stage or professional name—such as Cher, Madonna, Prince, Beyoncé, Banksy, and Lorde. Some historical or religious figures are widely identified by a single name in English-language usage, such as Confucius or Homer, though these names may be Latinized or represent a single traditional given name. Mononyms can also be used for brands, products, or places where the single word functions as the official label.

The use of a mononym is a matter of public practice rather than a fixed legal status; a person may have a longer birth name but publish under a single word, or, in some cultures, individuals are routinely registered with a single given name. Mononyms thus span cultural and historical contexts.

In linguistic and encyclopedic usage, mononym denotes any name that identifies a person or entity by a single word.