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Synonyms

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.


given name British  

noun

  1. another term for first name

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of given name

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

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

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

As he would explain, one of his young friends in Jackson, Tenn., had trouble saying his given name, Winston, and it came out sounding like Winkie.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025

Actually he was the old man we have met, known to everybody as Unde Dap, but his given name was Gwenbors.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

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