The Difference Between 'Namely' and 'Named'

The word namely does not mean the same thing as named.

Named means "having a name" or "given a name." Namely is an adverb that is used to give exact information about something you have already mentioned.  Use named when you are talking about the name of someone or something. Use namely when you are giving more specific information about something you have already said. Below are some examples of named and namely showing how each is used.

Named:

•          The dog is named Fido.
•          He named his first son "Richard."
•          My sisters are named Abigail and Madeline.

Namely:

•          I have a dog, namely a boxer.
•          I like fruit, namely peaches and strawberries.
•          I went shopping today, namely in search of a new dress for the party.
•          She made a suggestion, namely that the student not be admitted.
•          I have a question; namely, should we sell the property or not?

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