命名 means 'to name' or 'to christen'—it refers to the deliberate act of assigning a proper name to something, especially when that name carries significance or official status. The character 命 (mìng) originally conveys 'to order' or 'to decree', suggesting authority or intentionality; 名 (míng) means 'name' or 'reputation'. Together, they emphasize the formal, purposeful nature of naming—not just calling something by a label, but bestowing an identity with intention.

This verb is commonly used in contexts like scientific taxonomy (e.g., naming a newly discovered species), product branding, software development (naming variables or functions), and ceremonial events (e.g., naming a baby or a ship). It’s more formal and deliberate than everyday words like 叫 (jiào) or 起名字 (qǐ míngzi), and often implies official recognition or documentation. While it can be used for people, it’s especially frequent when referring to animals, places, institutions, or abstract concepts.