1. Laura asked him whether he had heard of Maggie Smith, but he told her that the name didn’t ring a bell. He couldn’t recall whether he had heard of the woman before or not.
2. I’m not sure I’ll know any of the guests you’re inviting to the party, but if you read the list of names to me, some of them may ring a bell

For centuries bells have been rung to call people’s attention or remind them of events, such as bells ringing to announce the start of town meetings, doorbells, and even the ringing of telephone ‘bells. ’