Christian name

noun

1. Also called baptismal name. the name given one at baptism, as distinguished from the family name.

2. a person's first or given name.

Christian name

noun

1. a personal name formally given to Christians at christening

Usage

This word was often loosely used to mean any person's first name as distinct from his or her surname. Nowadays, especially in official documents, alternatives which do not refer to a particular faith, and are therefore more inclusive, are often used: first name , forename and given name

Word History and Origins

Origin of Christian name¹

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

I could have added a second Christian name in my teenage years, when I was a member of the Roman Catholic church.

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Once they arrived in Europe, they were baptized and given Christian names, often Maria or Caterina, and sold as servants to well-to-do families.

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Stolen children like Juan were baptized and given a Christian name.

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My father’s family name being Pirrip, and my Christian name Philip, my infant tongue could make of both names nothing longer or more explicit than Pip.

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Students were given Christian names and strictly forbidden from speaking their own language or practicing their own customs.

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Related Words

• given name