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• first name
  first name

  noun

  given name.
• first-name
  first-name

  adjective

  of or relating to one's first, or given, name; familiar; intimate.

first name

¹ American  

noun

1. given name.

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first-name ² American  

[furst-neym, furst-neym] / ˈfɜrstˌneɪm, ˈfɜrstˈneɪm /

adjective

1. of or relating to one's first, or given, name; familiar; intimate.

   They were on a first-name basis soon after meeting.

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verb (used with object)

first-named, first-naming

1. to address (someone) by their first name, especially as a sign of informality or familiarity.

   The boss doesn't like the employees to first-name her.

first name British  

noun

1. Also called: Christian name.   forename.   given name.  a name given to a person at birth, as opposed to a surname

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Etymology

Origin of first name¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50

Origin of first-name²

First recorded in 1300–50

Example Sentences

El Dorado is controlled by a gangster known only by his first name, Fabio, a Pablo Escobar-type character who has ingratiated himself with locals through acts of charity.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Corrections & Amplifications Boston Consulting Group CEO Christoph Schweizer’s first name was incorrectly given as Christopher in a subheadline and a summary.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

For so long, it has felt inconceivable to not have Heather Knight as the first name on the England team sheet.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

In testifying against Halem, the teen, who was sworn in to testify just under his first name, Daniel, revealed a subculture around newly created crypto wealth.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

For the record, this is the only time I’d ever call an adult by their first name.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Related Words

• given name