Eponym

/ˈɛpənɪm/ noun

Definition

A person after whom something is named, or the name itself that comes from a person's name.

Etymology

From Greek 'epōnymos' (giving name), from 'epi' (upon) + 'onyma' (name). First used in English in the 18th century to describe the practice of naming things after people.

Kelly Says

A 'sandwich' comes from the Earl of Sandwich, a 'diesel engine' from Rudolf Diesel—eponyms are how people accidentally immortalize themselves in everyday language, achieving a weird kind of forever-fame.

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