first name

noun

: 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.
Elham asked to be identified by her first name due to security concerns, as did other Iranians in the country who spoke with CNN. Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025 The Venezuelan, who NPR is identifying by his first name because of his immigration status, looks at a big, run-down apartment building in front of him. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025 Sliwa, meanwhile, struggled with Mamdani’s first name, Zohran, during several exchanges. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 An article on Tuesday about New York City Ballet’s fashion gala omitted the first name of a dancer with that company. New York Times, 15 Oct. 2025 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 25 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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