Precedent names, a specifc subtype of precedent phenomena, can be found in mass media texts of a broad spectrum of genres. Their use is noted in particular both in informational and analytical genres. The use of precedent names in media texts is marked by a row of specifc peculiarities which examination is the subject of the present article. Depending on the mass media genre it is possible to trace the tendencies of the use of precedent names of particular thematic groups that are characterized by special morphological and syntactical features as well as fulfll specifc functions intended by the author in text.