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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The reason stores use first names — or first names and last initials — on name tags is to balance two reasonable, but competing, requirements.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
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Mari, another tourist who asked to go by her first name for privacy reasons, said her young family had been sheltering in their vacation rental and watching the unrest unfold outside.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That jacket’s colorful nickname, and its eye-watering valuation, trace back to a subculture that placed premiums on certain Polo collections long before the present vogue.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
1 Mar. 2026
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The shape of cup and saucer vine has led to its many nicknames, including cathedral bells and monastery bells.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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