as in first names
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 names
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
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
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
The twins were given names based on their personalities, according to the release.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given names
Noun
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The family asked to be identified only by their first names out of concern for their safety.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Levy took out a laptop and began shouting first names.—
Jane Bua,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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New sports have been added to the program and with that come new terms or nicknames for tactics, maneuvers or objects that beginner fans might not be familiar with.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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The nicknames aren’t really that inspiring on either side just yet.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Given names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20names. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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