The indefinite article with a proper name
The indefiniteNot relating to a specific or determined person, thing, idea or time. E.g.: Somebody left you a message. ("somebody", "a message") articleAny of the words "a", "an" and "the", used to limit or give definiteness to a noun. "A" and "an" are indefinite articles, while "the" is a definite article. E.g.: A man was standing on the platform. ("a", "the") can be used with a proper name to express uncertainty about the person's identity or that the person is a stranger to the speaker.
A (certain) Mr Smith was looking for you this morning. (= Someone called Mr Smith was looking for you this morning.)
The indefinite article can also be used before a proper name to mean the characteristic features of the person we mention.
He was an Einstein of his time.
A proper name with an indefinite article can refer to a work of art created by the person named.
He bought a Picasso in 1970 at Sotheby's. (= He bought a painting by Picasso.)
Comments and questions
Why certain?
May be SOME? I would say if it's certain Mr Smith, a definiteRelating to a specific or determined person, thing, idea or time. E.g.: I know the guy you are talking about. ("the guy you are talking about") articleAny of the words "a", "an" and "the", used to limit or give definiteness to a noun. "A" and "an" are indefinite articles, while "the" is a definite article. E.g.: A man was standing on the platform. ("a", "the") should be here. By the way, it wouldn't be out of place to add some explanations above to the example.
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