Duplicate supplier error when attempting to enter a new supplier with same name as existing supplier

We are on 12.1.3, getting error "Each record in the supplier master must have a unique supplier name and there exists already a supplier called "XXXXX"   Either correct the updated supplier name so that it will be unique or press Cancel to undo the changes you have made.' 

Even with different TIN this error is thrown, is there a profile option/workaround to allow? I am navigating via AP Responsibility to Supplier menu.