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
Character names were also changed so there weren’t at least four people with capital-A first names.
—
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
One of the first names that crossed Valenzuela’s mind was Oscar Rodriguez.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
OpenAI also estimated the likely gender split among a large sample of ChatGPT users by using Social Security data and the World Gender Name Registry's list of strongly masculine or feminine first names.
—ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025
Students signed the message but only with their first names.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
Still only 20 years of age, Huijsen has rapidly become one of the first names on the Real Madrid teamsheet.
—Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
In 2017, the school district began requiring that teachers use transgender students’ first names and pronouns.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
When most people think of Washington wine, Walla Walla or Yakima are probably the first names that come to mind.
—Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2025
Edo also followed Prince William and Kate Middleton's lead with the sweet sign off for his latest social post by abbreviating the children's first names with their initials to send an online message.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
One of the first names that crossed Valenzuela’s mind was Oscar Rodriguez.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025
OpenAI also estimated the likely gender split among a large sample of ChatGPT users by using Social Security data and the World Gender Name Registry's list of strongly masculine or feminine first names.
—ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025
Students signed the message but only with their first names.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
Still only 20 years of age, Huijsen has rapidly become one of the first names on the Real Madrid teamsheet.
—Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
In 2017, the school district began requiring that teachers use transgender students’ first names and pronouns.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
When most people think of Washington wine, Walla Walla or Yakima are probably the first names that come to mind.
—Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2025
Edo also followed Prince William and Kate Middleton's lead with the sweet sign off for his latest social post by abbreviating the children's first names with their initials to send an online message.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first names
Noun
-
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
And though some nicknames can wear out their welcome with age, McCollough does not feel that way about his.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
25 Sep. 2025
-
That is, of course, until recent reports about William and Harry’s nicknames for her resurfaced.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20names. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share