What Is an Unofficial Name?

An unofficial name is a commonly used identifier that lacks formal, legal, or institutional recognition. It arises organically through popular usage, tradition, convenience, or branding—not by decree.

Examples

• Country: "America" for United States of America; "Holland" for the Netherlands.
• City: "The Big Apple" (NYC), "The Windy City" (Chicago), "Frisco" (San Francisco — disliked by locals).
• Building: "The Gherkin" (30 St Mary Axe, London).
• Product: "Kleenex" (facial tissue), "Googling" (web search), "Xeroxing" (photocopying) — genericized trademarks.
• Medical: "Lou Gehrig's Disease" (ALS), "German Measles" (rubella).

Why They Matter

• Reflect cultural identity, history, humor.
• Can become official over time (e.g., "Czechia" adopted alongside Czech Republic).
• In diplomacy/law, only official names have standing.

Unofficial ≠ incorrect. It's the language of everyday life vs. the language of bureaucracy.