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
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 first name
Although his first name is still unknown, the insider shares that his middle name is River.
—
Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
To that end, Carmen — who asked to be identified by her first name only because of privacy concerns — cleaned houses and babysat children, squirreling away her earnings.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
On Yom Kippur, a militant Islamist called Jihad Al-Shamie (in retrospect, the first name was a clue) killed one person and injured others in a stabbing attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025
Abdi, who asked to only use his first name because of retribution fears, says many reliable customers are afraid to be seen in public as federal immigration authorities continue to confront and arrest people.
—Dee Depass Star Tribune, Arkansas Online, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first name
Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
To that end, Carmen — who asked to be identified by her first name only because of privacy concerns — cleaned houses and babysat children, squirreling away her earnings.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
On Yom Kippur, a militant Islamist called Jihad Al-Shamie (in retrospect, the first name was a clue) killed one person and injured others in a stabbing attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025
Abdi, who asked to only use his first name because of retribution fears, says many reliable customers are afraid to be seen in public as federal immigration authorities continue to confront and arrest people.
—Dee Depass Star Tribune, Arkansas Online, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first name
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
The Hoosier Dome opened in 1984, mall culture grew as teens and shoppers flocked to Castleton Square and plans for Circle Centre got underway, all while Indy began to outgrow its 'Naptown' nickname.—
Joe Mutascio,
IndyStar,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Simpson is a member of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter’s Santa Monica Mountains Task Force trail crew, known often by their nickname, the Trailies.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“First name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20name. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share