given name

American  

[giv-uhn neym] / 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

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

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

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 ● Aug. 2, 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

“Yes, you are, Wilbur,” Varney said using a given name known by very few Marines.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy