‘慕名’ is a verb meaning ‘to admire (someone or something) by reputation’ — that is, to seek out or visit someone or somewhere because you’ve heard positive things about them. The first character 慕 (mù) means ‘to admire’ or ‘to long for,’ while 名 (míng) means ‘name’ or ‘reputation.’ Together, they literally convey ‘admiring the name’ — implying admiration based on fame, prestige, or widespread acclaim rather than personal experience.

This word is commonly used in contexts involving travel, education, healthcare, or cultural appreciation — for example, visiting a famous temple, enrolling at a renowned university, or consulting a celebrated doctor. It carries a respectful, often slightly formal tone and usually appears before verbs like ‘而来’ (come), ‘而至’ (arrive), or ‘前往’ (go to). It emphasizes motivation: the action is driven not by convenience or necessity, but by esteem for the person or place’s reputation.