first name

noun

: the name that stands first in one's full name

Examples of first name in a Sentence

Children at the school call their teachers by their first names. the parents still haven't picked a first name for the baby
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her mother, who grew up in China, gave her the first name Lantian, Mandarin for blue sky. Emily Baker-White, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Like many of the country's fighters, those interviewed for this article gave only their first name for security reasons. Brian Mann, NPR, 2 Jan. 2025 The Journal Sentinel on Monday reported the first names of the two victims who had been in critical condition since the shooting on Dec. 16: Samy and River. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024 The man, whom The Times is identifying by his first name, Liang, and his sister eventually left Shen Yun and moved away. Michael Rothfeld, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for first name 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first name was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near first name

Cite this Entry

“First name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20name. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on first name

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