given name

noun

Definition of given namenext
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

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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 given name Many have since been microchipped and given names. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2026 Pattie Gonia, whose given name is Wyn Wiley, is a drag queen based in Bend, Oregon. — Brittany Peterson, Fortune, 12 June 2026 Digital Underground originated in Oakland, California, in 1987, founded by Shock G (given name Gregory Jacobs), Chopmaster J (Jimi Dright) and Kenny-K (Kenneth Waters), and released their first album in 1990. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026 The seven kittens were given names meant to honor where they were born. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for given name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given name
  1. first name
  2. nickname
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
Definition of first name
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
Definition of nickname

Browse Nearby Words

given in (to)
given name
given names
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Cite this Entry

“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on given name

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about given name

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