What is your good name?

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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.

Variants

  • May I know your good name?
  • Your good name, please?
  • Could I have your good name?

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.

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