as in first name
a name that is placed before one's family name
everyone calls me Jack, but my given name is John
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of given name
Before Wales’ women’s teams were given names on the back of their shirts in 2019, Fishlock’s was the one people could reel off, a byword for Welsh women’s football.
—
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Recent options at An’s Dry Cleaning, which are given names related to fabric, included Canvas (olive oil and rosemary), Broken Heart Brocade (chocolate, brownie and raspberry jam) and Melton (mango and peach).
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
Not even a year into Lai’s term, China has broken precedent by staging three large-scale exercises, which were given names to raise their profile and distinguish them from smaller drills.
—Bonny Lin, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2025
This season, the turtles in long-term care were given names based on Greek mythology.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for given name
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Recent options at An’s Dry Cleaning, which are given names related to fabric, included Canvas (olive oil and rosemary), Broken Heart Brocade (chocolate, brownie and raspberry jam) and Melton (mango and peach).
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
Not even a year into Lai’s term, China has broken precedent by staging three large-scale exercises, which were given names to raise their profile and distinguish them from smaller drills.
—Bonny Lin, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2025
This season, the turtles in long-term care were given names based on Greek mythology.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for given name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given name
Noun
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However, a few days later, OP received another birthday invitation for a kid with the same first name.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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In response, Bramani developed a treaded rubber sole that could offer climbers greater traction and named it using the first two letters of his first name and the first four letters of his surname—Vibram.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Others go by the nickname Chris, including actors Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, and Chris Evans, as well as comedian Chris Rock.—
Anna Halkidis,
Parents,
29 Oct. 2025
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When Jack kidnaps him in Christmas Town and takes him to Halloween Town, he is given a nickname that doesn't fit his true nature.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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