Meaning of "to name but two"

[Tung Quoc]

Dear teachers,

Please read:

There were a lot of famous people there: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, to name but two.

What is the meaning of “but”? What is the meaning of “to name but two”?

Thanks
Quoc

[Alan]

Hi,

Here but means only.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Tung Quoc]

Dear teacher,

How do you understand "to name but two"? Please tell me the idea of the author here?

Thanks
Quoc

[Alan]

Hi,

I have explained what it means. Can you not apply that explanation to your own question?

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Tung Quoc]

Dear teacher,

In "to name but 2":

"to" means "in order to"
"name" means say the names of these 2 persons.

It is right?

The meaning of the sentence is:

People only said the names of these 2 famous persons although there were a lot of famous persons here.

It is right?

Why the author used to? What is the meaning of "to"? Is there a rule?

Thanks
Quoc

[Alan]

Yes, I knew you could do it! I think it would help if you spent a little more time absorbing the explanations that we give you instead of immediately asking yet another question on the same topic

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Passive Voice