Italian Phrase
È a nome di Smith.
Meaning
The sentence states that something (an account, a document, a reservation, etc.) is registered or issued under the name of Smith. It is a concise way to attribute ownership or responsibility.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to clarify whose name appears on a contract, ticket, bank account, or any official record. It is common in business, travel, and legal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ÈanomediSmith
È (è)
Third‑person singular of the verb *essere* (to be) in the present indicative; contracts the subject pronoun *egli/ella*.
a nome di
Fixed prepositional phrase meaning ‘in the name of, under the name of’; *a* introduces the phrase, *nome* is a noun, and *di* marks the possessor.
di + proper name
The preposition *di* is used to indicate ownership or attribution; with a proper name it functions like ‘of’ in English.
Word order
Italian places the verb before the prepositional phrase, unlike English which often puts the phrase first.
🗨In Conversation
Chi ha prenotato la stanza?
Who booked the room?
È a nome di Smith.
It's under Smith's name.
✕Common Mistakes
È a nome di Smiths.
Do not add an *s* to the proper name; Italian keeps the original spelling of foreign surnames.
È al nome di Smith.
The correct preposition is *a*, not *al* (which would be *a + il*).
È a nome di il Smith.
Do not use the article *il* before a proper name; the name stands alone after *di*.
↔Alternatives
È intestato a Smith.
It is registered to Smith.
È a nome di signor Smith.
It is in the name of Mr. Smith.
È a nome di Smith.
It is under Smith's name.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the phrase *a nome di* is often used in formal paperwork and when dealing with banks or hotels. Avoid using it in very casual speech; instead you might say *è di Smith* or simply *è di lui* (it’s his). Also, note that the verb *intestare* (to make the beneficiary) is more common in banking contexts.