Designation, n.
Etymology: [L. designatio: cf. F. désignation.]
1. The act of designating; a pointing out or showing; indication.
2. Selection and appointment for a purpose; allotment; direction.
3. That which designates; a distinguishing mark or name; distinctive title; appellation. The usual designation of the days of the week. Whewell.
4. Use or application; import; intention; signification, as of a word or phrase. Finite and infinite seem . . . to be attributed primarily, in their first designation, only to those things have parts. Locke.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for designation; he lists it under name.
Where he writes about it:
Designation may be used much in the sense of appellation, but is more distinctive or specific in meaning; a designation properly so called rests upon some inherent quality, while an appellation may be fanciful. — from name
Style is the legal designation by which a person or house is known in official or business relations; as, the name and style of Baring Brothers. — from name
Antonyms
none given