The name recorded on a document (e.g., on a deed, contract, or bank account); the registered owner.
この車はまだ父の名義になっている。
This car is still registered in my father's name.
口座の名義を変更するには身分証明が必要だ。
You need ID to change the account's registered name.
彼の名義で不正に契約が結ばれていた。
A contract was fraudulently signed in his name.
An older usage meaning moral duty or one's social position/obligation (close to 名分); not common in modern usage.
父としての名義を果たすべきだと考える。
He thinks he should fulfill his duty as a father.
当時は家長としての名義が重視された。
At that time, the duties/role of the head of the household were heavily emphasized.
A justification or pretext; a nominal reason given for doing something (sometimes used with negative connotations).
節税の名義で複数の会社が設立された。
Multiple companies were set up under the pretext of tax reduction.
名義を借りて不正な取引が行われていた。
Illegal transactions were carried out using someone's name as a pretext.
彼は表面的な名義のために責任を負わされているだけだ。
He's only being made to take responsibility in name only.