Back then, the most popular male first names were James, John, Robert, Michael and William.
—
Mike Schneider,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Viewers tend to refer to anchors like Savannah Guthrie, Robin Roberts and Gayle King by their first names and regard watching them as part of a morning ritual.
Why add a surname or include a father’s fathers’ given names given to me at birth to identify me?
—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
6 Jan. 2026
The Woodward Center named the mama dog Noel, and her puppies were given names based on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Drummer, Piper, Lord, Lady, Maid, Swan, Goose, Ring, Calling Bird, French Hen, Turtle Dove and Partridge.
—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Dec. 2025
However, unlike similar programs, these folks have to stay true to their Southern roots and family names, a difficult feat in today’s modern world.
—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
Everyone on both sides of my family has always used family names, which has been really important to me to continue only using family names with my children.
For some families, maiden names or other significant surnames are carried on as first names.
—
Lisa Milbrand,
Parents,
1 Apr. 2026
In a step that rights activists call an attempt to block a dual-surname system, Takaichi is calling for a law to allow the greater use of maiden names as aliases instead.
The detailed report from Human Rights Watch said the heightened pressure was part of a decade-old campaign to ensure that religious denominations and independent churches are loyal to the officially atheist Communist Party.
—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
Many more leave the faith than adopt it, at rates that far exceed other Christian denominations.
—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
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.