Common names are the everyday names used to identify plants, animals, and other organisms. Unlike scientific names, which follow a specific naming convention (like binomial nomenclature), common names can vary by region and language. For example, the domestic cat is known as "cat" in English, "chat" in French, and "gato" in Spanish. These names are often simpler and easier to remember than scientific names, making them more accessible for the general public. However, the use of common names can lead to confusion, as the same organism may have different names in different areas, or different organisms may share the same common name.