as in first name
a name that is placed before one's family name
everyone calls me Jack, but my given name is John
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Recent Examples of given name
Many comments centered on the absence of wrestling’s Hulk Hogan (given name Terry Bullea), while others mentioned the lack of Alice‘s Polly Holiday, even though her castmate, Linda Lavin, was included.
—
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2025
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
At a community celebration, the lions were given names rooted in tradition and community significance—Chisama Kabobole, after a revered chief; Katimbilwa Mali, honoring a respected sub-chieftainess; and Sufina, after the NTCP’s environmental education program.
—Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Lueck said this year the couple’s chicks were given names — Ray, Dandelion, Benny (for Jack Benny) and Genesee (named for the theater) — with a Waukegan artistic bent.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for given name
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2025
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
At a community celebration, the lions were given names rooted in tradition and community significance—Chisama Kabobole, after a revered chief; Katimbilwa Mali, honoring a respected sub-chieftainess; and Sufina, after the NTCP’s environmental education program.
—Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Lueck said this year the couple’s chicks were given names — Ray, Dandelion, Benny (for Jack Benny) and Genesee (named for the theater) — with a Waukegan artistic bent.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for given name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given name
Noun
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Silva, whose first name was not released, firing at him and entering the driver’s side of the vehicle, Joseph said.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Odeluga’s first name tells that story.—
Noah Poser,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Too often, that nickname signifies a resistance to necessary change.—
Lou Rinaldi,
Hartford Courant,
26 Jan. 2026
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Jon Gallagher doesn’t have a nickname.—
Colby Gordon,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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