first name

noun

Synonyms of first namenext
: the name that stands first in one's full name

Examples of first name in a Sentence

Children at the school call their teachers by their first names. the parents still haven't picked a first name for the baby
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The locals asked to give only their first names for privacy reasons. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 Corona Centennial has nine players in its football program with variations of the same first name. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Portman came from the actress’s maternal grandmother’s maiden name, while Natalie was simply an Americanized version of her Hebrew first name. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 4 Oct. 2026 Sununu’s yard signs, displayed prominently in fields and paths across the state, don’t say his first name. — Ben Binday, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first name

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first name was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20name. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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