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 sweeping structures bear a striking resemblance to the sensory organs sported by members of the insect world, which eventually granted them the nickname of the Antennae Galaxies.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The Barn is also a nickname for a house Ciani used to have in Boulder.
    Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • References to the man’s life and work whiz by — illustrator Quentin Blake, a longtime collaborator, mentioned by first name only; ex-wife Patricia Neal, the Oscar-winning actress, alluded to passingly.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Joseph, another passenger on the flight who asked to be identified by his first name only because of public speaking restrictions by his employer, was on the flight with his fiancée.
    Elizabeth Chuck, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Forename.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forename. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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