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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

It's standard practice for teachers to dictate how students address them: First name or last name?

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2025

First, name it in a direct conversation: “Mom, have you noticed you do this? Any thoughts about why?”

From Washington Post • Jan. 14, 2022

"First name Clark, called 'Man of Bronze,' retreats to his 'Fortress of Solitude' in the Arctic, etc., etc.," he writes.

From The Verge • May 30, 2016

First name only is acceptable in all references.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2015

“Middle name? First name? Rank? Where born? What class? What corps?” and so on.

From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway

Related Words

• given name