given name

[giv-uhn neym]

noun

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

   His given name is John.

given name

noun

1. another term for first name

Word History and Origins

Origin of given name¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

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

This then changed to symbolic names in order to simplify their given names or to refer to previous pontiffs.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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