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 Removing professional athletes and a couple of Hollywood personalities who once called Cleveland home, the contemporary list of recognizable forenames is essentially narrowed to a single person: Tamir. Phillip Morris, cleveland.com, 31 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forename
Noun
  • The nickname would stick throughout his playing career and into his managerial career.
    Patrick Damp, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Felcsút is the hometown of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and his family's weekend home sits across the street from the stadium, which carries the nickname of Ferenc Puskás, Hungary's most famous soccer player from the 1950s.
    Rob Schmitz, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The most popular female first names were Mary, Patricia, Linda, Barbara and Elizabeth.
    Mike Schneider, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Certain prognosticators have tabbed UCLA forward Lauren Betts, TCU guard Olivia Miles or Spanish forward Awa Fam as the first name to be called by W commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Forename.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forename. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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