as in Christian names
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 names
Regulars greet bartenders by their first names before running to betting windows with high hopes.
—
CBS News, 13 May 2026
The couple — Ramon and Elsy — asked to be identified by their first names only, citing fear of retaliation.
—Shoshana Walter, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
For the first time in decades, the federal government published data showing the most common first names of the entire population.
—Joe Murphy, NBC news, 6 May 2026
Sandy Proksa is an expressive arts specialist who worked with at least 10 of the dozens of artists represented in the exhibit, including the two who attended the opening, identified in the gallery only by their first names Mark and Velta.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
In late 2024, housekeeping supervisors Patsy and Elsy, who are referred to in the first lawsuit against Jenner as well, by their first names only, stepped into their leadership roles.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 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.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
For some families, maiden names or other significant surnames are carried on as first names.
—Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 1 Apr. 2026
The school district established a policy in 2017 that required teachers to call students by the name listed in its database, which would reflect transgender students' preferred first names.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 3 Mar. 2026
CBS News, 13 May 2026
The couple — Ramon and Elsy — asked to be identified by their first names only, citing fear of retaliation.
—Shoshana Walter, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
For the first time in decades, the federal government published data showing the most common first names of the entire population.
—Joe Murphy, NBC news, 6 May 2026
Sandy Proksa is an expressive arts specialist who worked with at least 10 of the dozens of artists represented in the exhibit, including the two who attended the opening, identified in the gallery only by their first names Mark and Velta.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
In late 2024, housekeeping supervisors Patsy and Elsy, who are referred to in the first lawsuit against Jenner as well, by their first names only, stepped into their leadership roles.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 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.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
For some families, maiden names or other significant surnames are carried on as first names.
—Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 1 Apr. 2026
The school district established a policy in 2017 that required teachers to call students by the name listed in its database, which would reflect transgender students' preferred first names.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first names
Noun
-
The seven kittens were given names meant to honor where they were born.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Turner was also known for making off-color remarks, earning him numerous nicknames, including the Mouth From The South and Captain Outrageous.—
Lee Cowan,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
-
Using school nicknames, mascots, and logos would also be banned.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“First names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20names. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
