Available name

In zoology, an available name is a scientific name for a taxon of animals that has been published conforming to all the mandatory provisions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature for the establishment of a zoological name.

For a name to be available, there are a number of general requirements it must fulfill: it must use only the Latin alphabet, be published in a timely fashion by a reputable source, etc. In some rare cases, a name which does not meet these requirements may nevertheless be available, for historical reasons.

An available name is not necessarily a valid name, because an available name may be in synonymy. However, a valid name must always be an available one.

Contrast to botany

Under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, this term is not used. It corresponds to a validly published name in botany. The botanical equivalent of zoology's term "valid name" is correct name.