I’m not fully sure what “the name on it” refers to, but the most likely interpretation is how a name gets officially put on a building, place, or title. In that case, the name is usually decided by an owner, government body, court, or board, depending on what “it” is.

How it usually happens

  • Public property: A city, agency, or legislature approves the name.
  • Private property: The owner or organization chooses it.
  • Court-ordered cases: A judge can require a name to be removed or changed, as happened with the Kennedy Center branding dispute.
  • Municipal changes: Local councils may vote on a new official name, as in the Okanagan Falls municipality case.

If you mean a title or label

If you mean a username, brand name, product name, or document title, the process is simpler:

  1. Pick the name.
  2. Check whether it’s already in use.
  3. Register it if needed.
  4. Use it consistently on the item.

For example, Okanagan Falls will officially become the District of Okanagan Falls when the incorporation takes effect.

What I need from you

Tell me what “it” is — a building, website, product, person, place, or document — and I’ll give you the exact way to get the name on it.