Definition of forenamenext
as in nickname
a name that is placed before one's family name a long string of forenames was given to the latest addition to the royal family

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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 forename Alan, whose forename appeared in initial reports with its Turkish spelling, Aylan, died with his brother, Galip, 5; their mother, Rihan; and two other refugees when a dinghy carrying 14 migrants toward the Greek island of Kos capsized. New York Times, 13 Mar. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forename
Noun
  • Cook earned the nickname for his ability to strike deals and keep things smooth with the president, as seen through both his tariff negotiations and this year’s CEO transition.
    Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In 2017, radio host Clay Travis asked Kiffin directly about the Joey Freshwater nickname.
    John Talty, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Emma never accepted Abby as her mother and only referred to her by her first name.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The singer teased the album announcement on Sunday by purchasing a wrap-around cover of the Los Angeles Times featuring just her first name and her face, and by updating her website with the same image.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Forename.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forename. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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