# What Is an Accessible Name? The Name Assistive Technologies Announce

Last updated: 2026-09-30

Traditional Chinese version：[https://accesserty.com/ai/glossary/accessible-name.md](https://accesserty.com/ai/glossary/accessible-name.md)

Page version：[https://accesserty.com/en/glossary/accessible-name/](https://accesserty.com/en/glossary/accessible-name/)

An accessible name is the name assistive technologies use to identify buttons, links, form fields, and interactive controls.

## In brief

- An accessible name answers: what is this control called?
- Buttons, links, and form fields need clear names.
- Prefer visible text and labels before aria-label or aria-labelledby.

## Common sources

Accessible names can come from button text, link text, labels, alt text, aria-label, or aria-labelledby.

For example, a magnifying-glass search button needs a name such as “Search,” not only an icon. If “Search” is visible, retain that text in its name so voice-input users can address the same control.

A name is not automatically a useful name. “More” or “button” still needs review in context.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do icon-only buttons need accessible names?

Yes. Otherwise a screen reader user may only hear “button” without knowing its purpose.

## Related pages

- [Implement and check accessible names](https://accesserty.com/en/guides/how-to-implement-accessible-names/)
- [Text for images and image links](https://accesserty.com/en/glossary/alt-text/)
- [Accesserty DevCheck](https://accesserty.com/en/devcheck/)

## References

- [W3C Accessible Name and Description Computation](https://www.w3.org/TR/accname-1.2/)