Questions, answered.
Everything people ask about Namesake, in plain English.
Is Namesake free?
Yes. Namesake is free, with no ads, no in-app purchases and no subscription.
Do my partner and I both need the app?
To match names, yes. Each of you swipes on your own iPhone. To pair up, one of you shows a code and the other scans it.
Can I use it on my own?
Yes. Tap "Just let me in" and start swiping without a partner.
Is Namesake on Android?
Not yet. Namesake is iPhone only, on iOS 17 or later. To match names, both of you need an iPhone.
How does matching work?
Namesake deals you both the same deck of names. When you both keep the same name, it's a match. Each of you can rank a top 10, names you both rank highly get a "Both top 3", "Both top 5" or "Both top 10" badge, and you can share your shortlist as an image.
Do I need to sign up?
No. There's no email or password. The app quietly creates an anonymous account on your phone so your swipes can sync with your partner's.
Where do the meanings come from?
Every meaning was written for Namesake and fact-checked. Popularity charts use US Social Security Administration baby name data going back to 1880. "Similar" shows names that sound alike, and for many names, "Actual people suggest" shows names real parents put forward in online baby name discussions.
How many names are there?
Nearly 6,000 with a full write-up: a meaning worth reading, popularity since 1880, and similar names. On top of that, you can search more than 100,000 names given to US babies since 1880.
Does it work without signal?
Yes. Your swipes save on your phone straight away and sync once you're back online.
Still deciding? It's free.
Get Namesake on the App Store