as in first name
a name that is placed before one's family name
everyone calls me Jack, but my given name is John
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 given name
The Woodward Center named the mama dog Noel, and her puppies were given names based on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Drummer, Piper, Lord, Lady, Maid, Swan, Goose, Ring, Calling Bird, French Hen, Turtle Dove and Partridge.
—
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
Everyone from kings and queens to gold medalists and Academy Award winners have been given names inspired by the religious text.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 24 Dec. 2025
One of the most moving moments came from conversations with schoolchildren, who decided that the ancestors should be given names before they were reburied.
—Joanna Gilmore, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2025
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for given name
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
Everyone from kings and queens to gold medalists and Academy Award winners have been given names inspired by the religious text.
—Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 24 Dec. 2025
One of the most moving moments came from conversations with schoolchildren, who decided that the ancestors should be given names before they were reburied.
—Joanna Gilmore, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2025
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for given name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given name
Noun
-
The family asked to be identified only by their first names out of concern for their safety.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
In 22 of those 23 years, The Kansas City Star couldn’t figure out how to spell his first name, publishing all of four paragraphs on his case in two separate instances.—
Dan Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson lived up to his nickname.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
-
While the colors alone are enough to tell the story, the pair will reportedly be tagged with the aforementioned springtime nickname.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
