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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Example Sentences
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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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For the first time in decades, the federal government published data showing the most common first names of the entire population.—
Joe Murphy,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
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Sandy Proksa is an expressive arts specialist who worked with at least 10 of the dozens of artists represented in the exhibit, including the two who attended the opening, identified in the gallery only by their first names Mark and Velta.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Turner was also known for making off-color remarks, earning him numerous nicknames, including the Mouth From The South and Captain Outrageous.—
Lee Cowan,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
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Using school nicknames, mascots, and logos would also be banned.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Given names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20names. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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