Call Me by Your Name – Meaning, Origin and Usage

The phrase ‘Call me by your name’ may sound a little odd when you first hear it, but with it’s growing popularity, you’d do well to learn what it means. And if this is your intention, you’ve come to the perfect place, because I’m about to tell you everything you need to know.

Here, I will uncover what the phrase means, how it originated, how and when you could use the phrase, and give you a long list of other phrases you may wish to use in its place, followed by a brief conclusion.

Let’s get to it!

What is the meaning of the phrase ‘Call me by your name’?

‘Call me by your name’ is a phrase used to express a desire for personal connection and intimacy.

The phrase is most popular with the LGBTQ community, where it initially became popular. If it were ever used by heterosexuals and asexuals, it could be taken the wrong way, and imply that they are homosexual or bisexual.

What is the origin of the phrase ‘Call me by your name’?

While the phrase became particularly popular as recently as 2017, the truth is that the first recorded use of the phrase dates back to the Christian Bible, specifically in the book Song of Solomon, which teaches that the covenant of marriage should involve both commitment and intimacy.

In chapter 6, verse three of the biblical book Song of Solomon, there’s a line that reads ‘“Call me by my name, for I love you deeply.’ In this iteration, the phrase is said to express a love so deep that it’s like the love for oneself.

In the year 2007, a coming-of-age novel was published ‘Call me by your name’ written by American writer André Aciman. The story, set in 1980s Italy, centres around a blossoming romantic relationship between two young men, Elio who’s 17, and Oliver who is 24.

Then in 2017, the film ‘Call me by your name’ was released, based on the novel, and that was when the phrase went viral, with memes popping up everywhere, especially in relation to gay relationships.

As the story plays out we learn that Elio, who is also the narrator, is bisexual, and that Oliver had previously been afraid to admit he was gay, having struggled with his sexuality for quite some time.

The two men bond over religion at first, when finding themselves in one another’s company for the summer. But this soon becomes something more. It is a story of self acceptance and embracing who you are no matter what anyone else has to say about it.

The film did of course meet with criticism due to the theme of grooming, however for the most part is considered an important film for the LBGTQ community.

The film is highly acclaimed, having been nominated for and for winning several awards.

How and when can you use the phrase ‘Call me by your name’?

The phrase ‘Call me by your name’ should be reserved for intimate circumstances, unless you are just talking about the film or the book. You can use the phrase to tell someone that you are ready to share your whole self with them and love one another as deeply as your love for yourself.

Here follows some examples of the phrase in use:

• ‘You call me by your name, and I’ll call you by my name.’
• ‘He said you saw the film ‘Call me by your name’. What did you think of it?’
• ‘I just read a good book – it was called ‘Call me by your name’.’
• Which do you think was best, ‘Call me by your name’ or ‘Brokeback mountain’?

What are some other ways of saying ‘Call me by your name’?

Instead of saying ‘Call me by your name, here are some similar alternative phrases that you can use in its place:

• ‘I feel so close to you right now.’
• ‘I don’t want us to ever be apart.’
• ‘I want to be more than just friends.’
• ‘I want to be intimate with you.’
• ‘You are my life.’
• ‘Let’s have sex.’
• ‘Can I touch you there?’
• ‘Let’s be intimate’
• ‘Do you like men?’

Final thoughts

So, to summarise, while the phrase ‘Call me by name’ may have been derived from the bible, its popularity today arises from the book ‘Call be my name’ and the film adaptation of said book.

The story tells of a homosexual relationship between a teenager and a man in his twenties, and since the film’s release, which saw much acclaim, the phrase ‘Call me by your name’ has been used to convey intimate, homosexual desires.

The phrase ‘Call me by your name’ is used most often to express homosexual desires and to request greater intimacy with someone.