big name

¹ American  

noun

1. a person who has a preeminent public reputation in a specified field.

   He's a big name in education.

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big-name ² American  

[big-neym] / ˈbɪgˌneɪm /

adjective

1. having a widespread public reputation as a leader in a specified field; famous.

   a big-name doctor; a big-name actress.

2. of, relating to, or composed of a big-name person or persons.

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big name British  

noun

1. informal

   1. a famous person

   2. ( as modifier )

      a big-name performer

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Etymology

Origin of big name¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Origin of big-name²

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

In a field dominated by big name brands, consumers may be surprised to learn how many family-owned soft drinks firms remain in the US.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Together they grew the business, which provides analysis and services for company boards, and today it employs 200 staff and has big big name clients, including Nationwide, Rolls-Royce and Reckitt.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

The read-through for one big name in particular — ConocoPhillips — stood out for analysts at Citi as they see 8% upside for shares if Venezuela pays up on a long-overdue debt.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

Kalshi recently raised External link $1 billion from big name venture-capital firms like Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz at an $11 billion valuation.

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025

They march to the border of Grosse Pointe with his big name and his face on big posters, and they shout, “I am Kasim Anderson!”

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi