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-name¹

First recorded in 1300–50

Example Sentences

"Here in Sandton, there are a lot of people and companies that have money," said the 34-year-old security guard, who would only give his first name for fear of losing his job.

From Barron's

"The morgue has exceeded its capacity, so we need more," Charn, a morgue official at Songkhla Hospital who only gave his first name, told AFP.

From Barron's

There is no doubting both players are real assets and they are two of the first names on the team sheet, with Caicedo playing all 38 Premier League games last season.

From BBC

The women, who usually use only their first names or online pseudonyms, are expected to sit at the studio table for up to nine hours, with no breaks.

From Salon

"The look of it is scary -- it looks like alcohol," said Sheikha, 18, who asked to be identified by her first name only.

From Barron's

Related Words

• given name