What does the term 'duplicate names' refer to when managing named ranges in Excel?

The term 'duplicate names' in the context of managing named ranges in Excel refers to the situation where there are multiple ranges that share the same name. When you create a named range in Excel, that name must be unique within the workbook. If you attempt to create another named range with the same name as an existing one, it results in a conflict that can lead to confusion and errors in formulas or data management.

Having duplicate names can create significant issues in navigating and using those named ranges. For instance, if you have two different sets of data both named "SalesData," a formula referring to "SalesData" will not work correctly, as Excel won't know which range you are referring to. It's essential to have unique names for clarity and simplicity in your calculations and data references within your spreadsheet.