Synonyms for Designation (same or very similar meaning)
WordNet sense 1 (identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others):
appellation, appellative, denomination
WordNet sense 2 (the act of putting a person into a non-elective position):
appointment, assignment, naming
WordNet sense 3 (the act of designating or identifying something):
identification
From the ODE community, based on WordNet
add/edit