given name

noun

: a name that precedes one's surname
especially : first name

Example Sentences

everyone calls me Jack, but my given name is John
Recent Examples on the Web And the 2022 highlight reel for Jacobs comes with a fitting soundtrack provided by Moe Dee (given name Mohandas Dewese) with his classic 1987 hit. Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2023 Robert Francis O’Rourke is Beto O’Rourke’s given name, and Republicans call him that to mock his use of the nickname Beto. Dallas News, 16 June 2022 A few minutes later, the agenda reached the 15th and final speaker: Dinan Elsyad (her given name, although everyone calls her Didi). Hannah Natanson, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2020 And yes, mama revealed that his character’s given name was Philliam. Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2023 In a 2016 Washington Post article, it was revealed that Hilton’s given name was Eugene, but that everyone calls him T.Y. because his father’s name is Tyrone. Dallas News, 13 Dec. 2022 Cole, whose given name is Aisha (Pinky is a nickname), is simultaneously working to build her personal brand. Paige Mcglauflin, Fortune, 30 Nov. 2022 The 51-year-old performer whose given name is Michael Tyler is innocent of all charges, attorney Joel Pearce said after the arraignment in Ascension Parish court in Gonzales, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Baton Rouge. Janet Mcconnaughey, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2022 The 51-year-old performer whose given name is Michael Tyler is innocent of all charges, attorney Joel Pearce said after the arraignment in Ascension Parish court in Gonzales, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Baton Rouge. Janet Mcconnaughey, ajc, 19 Sep. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'given name.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1717, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of given name was in 1717

Dictionary Entries Near given name

Cite this Entry

“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/given%20name. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kids Definition

given name

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on given name

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