‘联名’ (liánmíng) literally combines ‘联’ (lián), meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to connect’, and ‘名’ (míng), meaning ‘name’. Together, it refers to the act of multiple people signing their names together on a document—such as a petition, letter, or application—to show collective support or responsibility. It emphasizes unity and shared intention, not just physical co-signing.

This term is commonly used in formal or civic contexts: students may submit a 联名信 (joint letter) to request campus improvements; employees might file a 联名申诉 (joint appeal) regarding workplace conditions. While it can function as a noun (e.g., 提交联名), it also appears as a verb (e.g., 联名签署). It carries a tone of seriousness and legitimacy—rarely used for casual or informal group actions like signing a birthday card.