How do I change text in a TextMesh of an instantiated object?

I'm trying to instantiate an empty object with a text mesh attached using a script, and then change the text to something specific. I have a prefab with a text mesh attached to it stored as a variable, and the script instantiates it, but the script does not compile.

 Transform name  = Instantiate(pickupNamePrefab,transform.position,transform.rotation) as Transform;
 //pickupNamePrefab is an empty with a text mesh attached
 
 name.GetComponent<TextMesh>().text = " hello ";

When i try to compile, unity gives me

error CS0029: Cannot implicitly convert type `UnityEngine.Transform' to 'string'

Has anyone had the same problem or know of an easier way to do it? Help would be much appreciated