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

When Sheen wanted to meet Carlos Estévez because the major league pitcher shared Sheen’s given name, he turned to his connected friend, Tony Todd.

From Los Angeles Times

He, whose given name can translate as “guarding the east,” led the Chinese military’s Eastern Theater Command from 2019 to early 2022, overseeing forces stationed closest to Taiwan.

From The Wall Street Journal

His father, a former high jumper, chose his son’s given name of Sorato, which is written with characters that mean “sky” and “jump.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Full Moons throughout the year are given names, often dating back centuries, that reflect what is happening in nature.

From BBC

The bill’s given name was a reference to allegations of insider trading by former House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

From Salon