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

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 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
  • Not only was Langdon stealing medication to fuel his secret opioid addiction—but his first name was Frank.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The tape begins with Stewart joking that Oliver wouldn't be able to use his first name if he's hired because the show already has one Jon.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of first name
Noun
  • In 2012, Holler launched Rubinski Works (based on Rubi, a nickname her dad gave her) as a graphic design and photography business, with a side gig selling her wares at small pop-ups.
    — Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The film’s title refers to Ketty’s nickname in the Sicilian dialect.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of nickname

Browse Nearby Words

given in (to)
given name
given names
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on given name

Nglish: Translation of given name for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about given name

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of vacuous

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All