birth name

American  

[burth neym] / ˈbɜrθ ˌneɪm /

Sometimes birthname

noun

1. the surname inherited by a person at birth, especially a woman’s maiden name.

2. the first or middle name that is given to a person at birth, but which may be changed later according to preference, upon adoption, after gender transition, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of birth name

First recorded in 1865–70 birth name for def. 1; 1975–80 birth name for def. 2

Example Sentences

TMZ reported that Lil Nas X — birth name Montero Hill — will be cleared of his four felony counts if he complies with treatment and commits no other crimes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

The Australian designer sold clothes under her birth name and had accused the California Girls singer of trademark infringement when she sold merchandise during her 2014 Australian tour.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

Cain is half-Japanese on his father’s side, his birth name being Dean Tanaka.

From Salon • Aug. 9, 2025

For starters, this was the year he became Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o and shed his birth name, James.

From BBC • May 28, 2025

Jule had realized the truth of it early on, even before Immie had told Jule her birth name, and before Brooke Lannon ever turned up at the Vineyard house.

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart