Yo, Muzzy.

In casual speech we use the term "HaShem" which translates to "the name" (as in "the name of G-d") it is shorthand which prevents accidentally using His name in a less than respectful manner.

The holiest name of G-d is not spoken of -- and even in prayers we substitute another name (normally "Adonai" which translates to "my L-rd"). 

There are more than nine "names" for G-d, but there are nine names of Hashem that may never be erased (Shavuot 35a).   The Torah tells us to not erase any of those nine "names" in Parsha Re'eh (12:2-4):
"You shall utterly destroy all places where the nations that you are driving away worshiped their gods; on the high mountains and on the hills and under every leafy tree. You shall break apart their altars, you shall smash their pillars, and their sacred trees you shall burn in the fire. Their sacred images you shall cut down, and you shall obliterate their name from that place. . . You shall not do thus to Hashem, your G-d."   Devarim / Deuteronomy 12:2-4.
Just to complicate things -- they aren't really names -- they are descriptions.   I suggest you read Mordochai's article The "Names" of G-d."

סופי

And everything that Sarah tells you, listen to her voice. Bereshit (Genesis) 21:12
Last Edited By: Sophiee1 Wed, 12-Dec-12 21:24:14. Edited 1 times.