when the name of someone or something is not suitable► so-called a word used to describe someone or something that has been given a name that you think is wrong: · I went to see the playwright's so-called masterpiece and was very disappointed by it.· A lot has been written in recent years about the so-called "male menopause".
► misnomer formal a name that is not correct or does not seem suitable: · The Palace of Justice - a terrible misnomer - was set on fire by the workers.be something of a misnomer: · The term "black-headed gull" is something of a misnomer, since the bird's head is actually brown.
► nominal having the name of a job or position in society, but not actually doing that job or having the responsibilities that go with it: · It's fairly clear that he is only the nominal head of the local party -- in fact he's got no authority at all.· The daughter had all the brains and did all the accounts -- the son was just the nominal boss of the business.
► in name only having a name or title, but not having the qualities or character that go with that name: · It's a revolutionary party in name only -- in fact it's quite conservative.· He will be my husband in name only - he knows I'm really in love with you.
► self-styled use this about someone who gives himself or herself a particular title that you think they do not deserve and do not have a right to: · The self-styled Leader of the New Republic refused all attempts at negotiation by the former government.· These self-styled complementary therapists make a fortune out of preying on the gullibility of often very sick people.
a wrong or unsuitable name: 
‘Silent movie’ is a misnomer since the movies usually had a musical accompaniment.