as in first name
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of baptismal name
Born with his baptismal name of Robert Francis Prevost, his papal name is more of a traditional choice — and one with a storied history.
—
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 9 May 2025
Of the 266 popes in history, 129 have chosen names different from their baptismal names.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
And that then became the custom, with only a handful of popes keeping their baptismal names since, including Marcellus II and Adrian VI, who both served as head of the church in the 16th century.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
While popes have the option of keeping their baptismal name, every pope for the last 470 years has chosen to change his name, usually to honor a predecessor and to signal their intention to emulate his example.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
Until last year, John Henry Newman, as he is known by his baptismal name, was studying to become a priest at a Roman Catholic seminary in Yangon.
—New York Times, 30 Mar. 2022
She was given the name Sister Seraphia and later returned to her baptismal name, Carol Estelle.
—Jacques Kelly, baltimoresun.com, 22 May 2021
These homages to Athelstan continued even through the series finale, in which the monk’s son, Alfred (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), gave the Viking’s son, Hvitserk (Marco Ilsø), the baptismal name of Athelstan in one of the show’s stirring final scenes.
—Sadie Gennis, Vulture, 11 Jan. 2021
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 9 May 2025
Of the 266 popes in history, 129 have chosen names different from their baptismal names.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
And that then became the custom, with only a handful of popes keeping their baptismal names since, including Marcellus II and Adrian VI, who both served as head of the church in the 16th century.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
While popes have the option of keeping their baptismal name, every pope for the last 470 years has chosen to change his name, usually to honor a predecessor and to signal their intention to emulate his example.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
Until last year, John Henry Newman, as he is known by his baptismal name, was studying to become a priest at a Roman Catholic seminary in Yangon.
—New York Times, 30 Mar. 2022
She was given the name Sister Seraphia and later returned to her baptismal name, Carol Estelle.
—Jacques Kelly, baltimoresun.com, 22 May 2021
These homages to Athelstan continued even through the series finale, in which the monk’s son, Alfred (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), gave the Viking’s son, Hvitserk (Marco Ilsø), the baptismal name of Athelstan in one of the show’s stirring final scenes.
—Sadie Gennis, Vulture, 11 Jan. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baptismal name
Noun
-
Don’t be pushy, show your gratitude, be open-minded, smile, greet people by their first name, learn what interests them and, most of all, have a sense of humor.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Watley-Neely's first name was spelled Lemuel in online jail and court records.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Many comments centered on the absence of wrestling’s Hulk Hogan (given name Terry Bullea), while others mentioned the lack of Alice‘s Polly Holiday, even though her castmate, Linda Lavin, was included.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Also endangering the family name and business is a crooked deal made by Byron Hedges (Jack Gleeson), an illegitimate cousin helping Guinness expand into America, that promises 15% of all American profits to the Fenian Brotherhood.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The family name is kind of a big deal in Arlington.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The action star shortened his mother's maiden name Vincent to get his new first name.—
Jodi Guglielmi,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Mary, then known by her maiden name Mary Godwin, was only 18 and still recovering from the loss of her first child.—
Thomas Page McBee,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Rapp and his partner, Ken Ithiphol, are parents to son Rai Larson Ithiphol, whose middle name is a possible tribute to late Rent creator Jonathan Larson, and son Keony Lee Ithiphol.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Singer Carly Rae Jepsen also has it as a middle name.—
Anna Halkidis,
Parents,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Baptismal name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baptismal%20name. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share