given name

American  

[giv-uhn naym] / ˈgɪv ən ˈneɪm /

noun

• given names
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• given names
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of given name

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30

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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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

given name

When the reporter placed a letter for Paxton in the mailbox, an envelope addressed to Warren Paxton, the attorney general’s given name, was visible.

From Salon ● Jul. 7, 2026

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 ● Oct. 17, 2025

Instead of working under my given name, Adel, I went by Eddie, then Edvardo, and finally Vardo Bissiccio, leaving my Arabic name out of my career.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 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

Julia, I should now call her, for that was her given name.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

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