given name

noun

: a name that precedes one's surname
especially : first name

Examples of given name in a Sentence

everyone calls me Jack, but my given name is John
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.
This season, the turtles in long-term care were given names based on Greek mythology. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 The student still hadn’t told their parents about these identity changes, so school officials used the student’s given name and she/her pronouns when talking with their parents. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 In a quirk of German politics, the governing coalitions are often given names. Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025 Cows on the farm are even given names of champion Packers players from the 1960s, such as Max McGee, Bart Starr and Willie Davis. Mark Meszoros, Twin Cities, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for given name

Word History

First Known Use

1717, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of given name was in 1717

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Cite this Entry

“Given name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/given%20name. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

given name

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on given name

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