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
The new pope’s name, as well as his baptismal names, will be translated into Latin in the announcement but his former surname will remain in his native language.
—
Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
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
Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baptismal name
Noun
-
For over a century, Americans have used Spanish first names as catchall slurs against Latinos.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
-
His first name was: a. Walter b. George c. Issac d. Max 9.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Recent options at An’s Dry Cleaning, which are given names related to fabric, included Canvas (olive oil and rosemary), Broken Heart Brocade (chocolate, brownie and raspberry jam) and Melton (mango and peach).—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 June 2025
-
Not even a year into Lai’s term, China has broken precedent by staging three large-scale exercises, which were given names to raise their profile and distinguish them from smaller drills.—
Bonny Lin,
Foreign Affairs,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Charlotte Flair has certainly done a nice job of living up to the family name, but the pressure to do so is still on.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
-
Hannah and Mark Gleiberman contributed $20 million to create a center for glaucoma research within the new Viterbi center, also endowing two additional chairs in their family name.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 June 2025
Noun
-
Known by her maiden name Parchen, Willa Valbuena pitched for Marina’s 1990 softball team that claimed the CIF-SS Division 5A title in a 1-0 win against Newbury Park.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
18 June 2025
-
Lochte shares three children with Kayla, whose maiden name is Reid.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
Unity Mitford—conceived in the town of Swastika, Canada, with the middle name of Valkyrie—seemed destined to be a Nazi from birth, and eventually shot herself in the head after Britain declared war on her beloved Führer.—
George Pendle,
Air Mail,
21 June 2025
-
In 1836 Dickens married Catherine Hogarth, and when their first child was born in January of the following year he was given the middle name Boz.—
Kirsty McHugh,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Baptismal name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baptismal%20name. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share