def set_name_y(name_y):
    """Set the dataset name in regression; return generic name if user
    provides no explicit name."

    Parameters
    ----------
    name_ds     : string
                  User provided dataset name.

    Returns
    -------
    name_ds     : string

    """
    if not name_y:
        name_y = 'dep_var'
    return name_y
