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
The musician, whose given name is LaRussell Dwayne Thomas, has quickly gone from releasing his music independently to being signed to one of the biggest labels in the world.
—
Georgia Dawkins, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Why add a surname or include a father’s fathers’ given names given to me at birth to identify me?
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 6 Jan. 2026
The Woodward Center named the mama dog Noel, and her puppies were given names based on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Drummer, Piper, Lord, Lady, Maid, Swan, Goose, Ring, Calling Bird, French Hen, Turtle Dove and Partridge.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for given name
Georgia Dawkins, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Why add a surname or include a father’s fathers’ given names given to me at birth to identify me?
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 6 Jan. 2026
The Woodward Center named the mama dog Noel, and her puppies were given names based on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Drummer, Piper, Lord, Lady, Maid, Swan, Goose, Ring, Calling Bird, French Hen, Turtle Dove and Partridge.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for given name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given name
Noun
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She and others who spoke with CNN for this story asked only to use their first name for privacy reasons.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
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Due to a reporting error, an earlier version of this story misspelled Nahida Bristy’s first name.—
Dan Sullivan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Don’t let Will Lee’s nickname fool you.—
Mike Kaye
May 4,
Charlotte Observer,
4 May 2026
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Hence, the nickname Alonso supplied him.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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