as in first names
a name that is placed before one's family name
everyone calls me Jack, but my given name is John
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of given names
The seven kittens were given names meant to honor where they were born.
—
Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
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
Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given names
Noun
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They were identified by their first names as Khamla, Mued, Ee, Ing and Laen.—
Jintamas Saksornchai,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
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She and others were identified by their first names only to protect their privacy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 May 2026
Noun
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These rituals can include nicknames, baby talk, weird accents, secret signals, or recurring references that would make absolutely no sense to anyone else.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
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Haida Gwaii, formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands, is a place with many nicknames.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Given names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20names. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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