Spanish Phrase
Está a nombre de John Doe.
Meaning
The sentence states that something (a bank account, a property, a ticket, etc.) is registered under the name of John Doe. It emphasizes the legal or official holder of the item.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to clarify ownership on official documents, during a phone call with a service provider, or when explaining who the beneficiary of an account is.
✦Grammar Breakdown
EstáanombredeJohnDoe
Estar (está)
The verb 'estar' is used for temporary states or locations; here it indicates the current ownership status.
a nombre de
The fixed expression 'a nombre de' means 'in the name of' and is used when referring to whose name something is registered under.
de + proper noun
After 'a nombre de' you place the name of the person, without any article.
🗨In Conversation
¿A quién está a nombre la cuenta de ahorros?
Whose name is the savings account under?
Está a nombre de John Doe.
It is in John Doe's name.
✕Common Mistakes
Es a nombre de John Doe.
Use 'está' (temporary state) rather than 'es' (essential characteristic) when referring to registration status.
Está a nombre del John Doe.
Do not add the article 'el' before a proper name after 'a nombre de'.
Está a nombre de JohnDoe.
Keep a space between the first and last name; treat them as separate tokens.
↔Alternatives
La cuenta está a nombre de John Doe.
The account is in John Doe's name.
El registro está a nombre de John Doe.
The registration is in John Doe's name.
Está registrado a nombre de John Doe.
It is registered under John Doe's name.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries the phrase 'a nombre de' is used in formal contexts such as banks, utilities, and government paperwork. Avoid using it in casual conversation; instead you might say 'es de John Doe' for informal settings.