What are natural numbers commonly known as?

Natural numbers are commonly referred to as counting numbers because they represent the set of positive integers starting from 1 and extending infinitely (1, 2, 3, 4, ...). This set is primarily used for counting objects and ordering, hence the term "counting numbers" is very fitting.

While whole numbers include all natural numbers and the number zero, which is not considered a natural number, the term does not specifically highlight their role in counting. Rational numbers encompass fractions and decimals, widening the definition beyond simple whole numbers. Composite numbers refer to natural numbers greater than one that have divisors other than one and themselves, which does not encompass the complete set of natural numbers. Thus, the most precise label for natural numbers in the context of their primary use is "counting numbers."