nametypes

Nametypes is a term used in several fields to describe categories or classifications of names. Because it does not have a single universal definition, its precise meaning depends on the disciplinary context.

In onomastics and linguistics, nametypes refers to the typology of proper names by their referential class. Common nametypes include anthroponyms (personal names), toponyms (place names), and organizational names. Within these broad classes, further subtypes arise, such as patronymics and matronymics (named after a parent), hydronyms (water-related names), and ethnonyms (ethnic or cultural identifiers). Studied in relation to naming conventions, grammars, and cultural practices, nametypes help researchers analyze how societies classify and use names across languages and regions.

In information management and bibliographic contexts, nametypes can describe the role of a string in a data record. Typical examples are given name, middle name, and surname, as well as aliases and corporate names. Recognizing nametypes supports consistent data entry, searching, sorting, and internationalization, where name order and components vary across cultures.

In programming and type theory, nametypes (often discussed under nominal or name-based typing) describe a way of distinguishing types by their declared names rather than solely by their underlying structure. In nominal typing, values of different named types may be incompatible even if their representations are identical, whereas structural typing allows interchangeability based on shape. Nametypes thus reflect a design choice about type identity and type safety.

See also: onomastics, proper names, given name, surname, topography, nominal typing.