appoint 通常指不经过选择的官方委任。
designate 书面用语，侧重当权者或机构的选拔或任命，有时含强行指定的意味。
assign 常指给一群人或个人分配、分派、指派或委派任务。
name 普通用词，着重任命的结果，而不是过程。
nominate 通常指为某一公职选择候选人，并将其提交给有决定权的人作最后决定。
参考例句
1. What's your baby named? 给你们的宝贝儿起的什么名字?
2. Do you ~ how to spell his name?. 你记得他的名字如何拼写吗?
3. Can you tell me your name, please? 请问你能告诉我你的名字吗？
英英解释
n.
1. a language unit by which a person or thing is known
2. by the sanction or authority of
3. a person's reputation
4. a well-known or notable person
5. family based on male descent
6. a defamatory or abusive word or phrase v.
1. assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
2. give the name or identifying characteristics of; refer to by name or some other identifying characte
3. charge with a function; charge to be
4. create and charge with a task or function
5. mention and identify by name
6. identify as in botany or biology, for example
7. make reference to
8. give or make a list of; name individually; give the names of
9. determine or distinguish the nature of a problem or an illness through a diagnostic analysis
