first name

Definition of first namenext
as in Christian name
a name that is placed before one's family name the parents still haven't picked a first name for the baby

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 first name The two visitors were not identified by first name and last name initial, as is common in France, but only as German nationals. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 20 Sep. 2026 French military policy in Lebanon prohibits identifying soldiers by first names for security reasons. — Diego Ibarra Sánchez, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026 Karen, who asked to be identified by only her first name, is one of the millions of people whose insurance has dropped coverage of their GLP-1 medications for weight loss since 2025, according to research by GoodRx. — Kara McGrath, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026 Throughout each episode, fans can vote up to 10 times per couple either online or by texting the celebrity's first name to 21523 (standard text rates apply). — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first name
Noun
  • Over the years, many of the variations in preparation for our basic menu items were given names, usually by the customers who frequently ordered their burgers that way.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Poe Many parents with a long or complicated surname—and even those without—like to consider a short, one-syllable given name as a balance.
    — Anna Earl, Parents, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Historical revisionism over the decades since has popularized the Raptors nickname, but purists still consider this Air Jordan 7 colorway to be the Playoffs style.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • María del Carmen Abascal, known by her nickname Maricarmen, is a resident of Madrid’s El Retiro neighborhood who, until last Wednesday, lived in an apartment on Alcalde Sainz de Baranda Street.
    — Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 27 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“First name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20name. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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