expression, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Describes something that exists or holds a title only nominally, without real substance or authority. Often used with nouns like 役職, 会長, or リーダー.
彼は名前だけの社長で、実権はない。
He is the president in name only, with no real authority.
その委員会は名前だけで、何も決められない。
That committee is a figurehead; it can't decide anything.
expression
only by name
Used when someone or something is known only by its name, without deeper acquaintance or substance. Often appears in patterns like 名前だけ知っている or 名前だけ聞いたことがある.
その作家のことは名前だけ知っている。
I know that author only by name.
あのレストランは名前だけ聞いたことがある。
I've only heard the name of that restaurant.