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

Posting on social media, he said: "At my birth, believe it or not was Jamie Bigg. So in 2026, I'll be reclaiming my birth name and making some big changes."

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2026

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

From Salon • Aug. 9, 2025

Lil Nas X, whose birth name is Montero Lamar Hill, did not disclose an official diagnosis or what might have caused the paralysis but continued to speak about his condition over several Instagram stories.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025

To her embarrassment, she could not remember the baby’s birth name.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng