given name

American  

[giv-uhn neym] / ˈgɪv ən ˈneɪm /

noun

1. the name given to a person, as distinguished from an inherited family name; first name; Christian name.

   His given name is John.

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given name British  

noun

1. another term for first name

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Etymology

Origin of given name

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30

Compare meaning

How does given-name compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• surname vs. given name
• given name vs. family name

Example Sentences

This defenseman, whose given name was John Francis Hughes, was among the final cuts made by Coach Herb Brooks to the 1980 U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

The 38-year-old entrepreneur’s given name is Nathan Young.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

He will then introduce the new Pope by his chosen papal name, which may or may not be his original given name.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2025

Jed, whose given name was Edwin Jed Fish Gould III, died at home in Pasadena under hospice care, his close friends confirmed to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

He knew the Whisperer wanted Sticky’s given name.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart