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 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 Choosing a last name or surname as a first name (or given name) is not a new tradition. — Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for given name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given name
  1. first name
  2. nickname
Noun
  • He’s named after Axl Rose Fergie and Duhamel drew inspiration from the Guns N’ Roses frontman for their son’s first name.
    — Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The sticker will feature a butterfly — an image that Parton had long used in her logos — with the singer’s first name in her handwriting in the middle, all in Tennessee orange and white.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of first name
Noun
  • His daughter Angela West said farming had been part of her father’s life long before Kansas City knew his nickname.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Hig nicknames her The Beast, which seems more of an inner monologue moniker.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 28 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on given name

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about given name

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