Full Idea
Modern philosophy is still under the spell of Frege's view that an individual is anything that has a proper name. (Note: But not only are empty names now recognised, but some are aware of the existence of plural reference).
Gist of Idea
Philosophy is stuck on the Fregean view that an individual is anything with a proper name
Source
Peter Simons (Parts [1987], 8.1)
Book Reference
Simons,Peter: 'Parts: a Study in Ontology' [OUP 1987], p.290
A Reaction
Presumably every electron in the universe is an individual, and every (finite) number which has never been named has a pretty clear identity. Presumably Pegasus, John Doe, and 'the person in the kitchen' have to be accommodated.