diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/multisort.py b/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/multisort.py
index 7a8a7479a7..c9cbbb3cb7 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/multisort.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/multisort.py
@@ -150,9 +150,13 @@ class ChooseMultiSort(Dialog):
         d.setLabelText(_('Choose a name for these settings'))
         if d.exec():
             name = d.textValue()
-            q = self.saved_specs
-            q[name] = spec
-            self.saved_specs = q
+            if name:
+                q = self.saved_specs
+                q[name] = spec
+                self.saved_specs = q
+            else:
+                error_dialog(self, _('No name provided'), _(
+                    'You must provide a name for the settings'), show=True)
 
     def populate_load_menu(self):
         m = self.load_menu