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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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.
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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
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Only identified by her first name to protect her identity and safety within an authoritarian regime, Carolina is on a mission to ensure that the women in her community receive care during their pregnancies and while giving birth.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
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This story has been corrected to spell Sassou N'Guesso's first name as Denis, not Dennis.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known by his nickname Pelé, is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 Mar. 2026
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Known by its nickname Miraikan, or museum of the future, this sprawling facility on the artificial island of Odaiba is full of fun, hands-on exhibits on science and cutting-edge technology.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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