Go by the name of… Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Nicknames Often used for nicknames which are informal names given by friends or family. She mostly goes by the name of Liz instead of Elizabeth. Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Variance Some cultures adopt new names in different settings for easier pronunciation or integration. My Korean friend Jung goes by the name of Joe at work. Pro Tip 3/3Identity Choice Individuals might use this phrase to empower their choice of identity. Though assigned Linda at birth, they now go by the name of Lee.