# make a name for oneself

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-a-name-for-oneself
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

to gain fame, to become well-known.

## Examples

- She wants to make a name for herself in the music industry.
- After winning the national competition, the young athlete began to make a name for himself in professional sports.
- The ambitious architect worked tirelessly for years, hoping to make a name for herself by designing buildings that challenged traditional urban aesthetics.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.