given name

noun

Definition of given namenext
as in first name
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of given name Releasing via Reprise Records, the LP features the artwork of Strings’ mom, Debra Apostol (Strings’ given name is William Lee Apostol). — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2026 Many have since been microchipped and given names. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2026 Pattie Gonia, whose given name is Wyn Wiley, is a drag queen based in Bend, Oregon. — Brittany Peterson, Fortune, 12 June 2026 Digital Underground originated in Oakland, California, in 1987, founded by Shock G (given name Gregory Jacobs), Chopmaster J (Jimi Dright) and Kenny-K (Kenneth Waters), and released their first album in 1990. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for given name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for given name
  1. first name
  2. nickname
Noun
  • Corona Centennial has nine players in its football program with variations of the same first name.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Portman came from the actress’s maternal grandmother’s maiden name, while Natalie was simply an Americanized version of her Hebrew first name.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of first name
Noun
  • Friends said Mathis acquired the Maybach nickname because of his association with Ross, whose record label is Maybach Music Group.
    — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Miriam testified there was someone higher up than Alobadi — someone whose nickname was familiar to authorities.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of nickname

Browse Nearby Words

given in (to)
given name
given names
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Cite this Entry

“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/given%20name. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on given name

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about given name

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