French Phrase
C'est au nom de qui ?
Meaning
Literally, "It is in the name of who?" The phrase asks for the name under which something (a reservation, a contract, a ticket, etc.) has been made. It is a polite way to request the owner's name.
When to use
Use this question when you need to know whose name is attached to a booking, a document, a purchase, or any official record. It is common in hotels, restaurants, banks, and administrative offices.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estaunomdequi?
C'est
Contraction of "ce est" used to point out or identify something; in questions it often means "it is".
au = à + le
The preposition "à" (to/at) contracts with the definite article "le" to form "au".
de qui
Interrogative pronoun phrase meaning "of whom"; used after nouns to ask about the owner or source.
Nom (noun)
Means "name"; in this construction it refers to the name under which something is registered.
🗨In Conversation
J'ai réservé une table pour deux personnes.
I booked a table for two people.
C'est au nom de qui ?
In whose name is it?
✕Common Mistakes
C'est qui ?
Too informal and changes the meaning to "Who is it?" rather than asking for the name attached to something.
C'est au nom de quel ?
"Quel" must agree with the noun; the correct form is "au nom de qui" when asking about a person.
C'est à le nom de qui ?
The preposition "à" contracts with "le" to become "au"; using the separate forms is grammatically incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Au nom de qui est-ce ?
Whose name is it under?
À quel nom est-ce ?
Under what name is it?
C'est au nom de quelle personne ?
In the name of which person?
Cultural Tip
In French business or formal settings, asking "C'est au nom de qui ?" shows respect and attention to detail. Avoid the very informal "C'est qui ?" which is only appropriate among close friends. Also note that the preposition "au" contracts with "le"; saying "à le nom" would be considered a mistake.