Some embodiments include a method for identifying named entities in a question received in a question and answer system. The method can include receiving the question and constructing, via a named entity controller, a search query using all words in the question. The method can also include searching a named entity index for records that include named entity fields associated with certain of the words in the question. The method can also include determining a search score for each of the records based, at least in part, on how closely words in the question match a field of the record. The method can also include determining a weighted score for each of the records based on where the words in the question are positioned in the question. The method can also include creating a list of records including one or more of the records whose weighted score is above a threshold score. The method can also include providing the list of records for use in answering questions in the question and answer system.