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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of given name
Why add a surname or include a father’s fathers’ given names given to me at birth to identify me?
—
Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 6 Jan. 2026
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
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
Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 6 Jan. 2026
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
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
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Gulf Coast News, the local ABC affiliate, identified the victim only by her first name.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
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Her first name wouldn’t change, and her last name is already the same as mine.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Chicago might have too many nicknames.—
Gia Biagi,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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The program has earned the reputation as dawgs, with the Huskies nickname befitting.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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