Abstract A name model that supports descriptive names for objects is presented. The objects and a context relation between the objects is stored in a directory database. Each object is composed of a set of primary attributes. An object also inherits attributes from its contexts. A descriptive name for an object is composed of a non-empty unordered subset of primary attributes, plus an unordered subset of attributes from the object's contexxts. A name need only contain enough attributes to denote the object unambiguously. In order to make name resolution more efficient, the concept of a registered name, which is similar to the concept of a tradename or trademark, is introduced. The directory database is partitioned and replicated among a set of name servers. An algorithm, distributed among the name servers, is used to resolve descriptive names resulting in network transparent resolution. A variation of the algorithm has been incorporated in an OSI Directory Implementation as an alternative to the standard OSI name form.