Meaning
What is your name?, asked respectfully or formally. Respectful in its home context. Some speakers use it for a formal name as distinct from a household nickname; others simply mean name. Regional use: Indian and South Asian English.
Origin
The wording reflects South Asian politeness and naming patterns rather than a judgement that some names are bad. Several regional languages use an honorific equivalent of good with name; Bengali, for example, can contrast a bhalo naam, formal good name, with a dak naam, home or calling name. Because multiple languages contribute to Indian English, no single calque should be claimed for every speaker.
Research Sources
References used to check this entry’s meaning, history, or documented forms.
Variants
- Could I have your good name?
- May I know your good name?
- Your good name, please?
Usage Examples
- Welcome to the clinic; may I know your good name?
- The receptionist asked, 'What is your good name?' before opening the appointment book.