given name

[ giv-uhn neym ]

noun

1. the name given to a person, as distinguished from an inherited family name; first name; Christian name: Compare birth name ( def ).

   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 that reflect what is happening in nature.

From BBC

Each month our full moons are given names that refer to what might be happening in nature at that time.

From BBC

Keaton also shared that he had planned to use his given name in his recent film, "Knox Goes Away," in which he serves as director and lead.

From Salon

Fellow Oscar winner Emma Stone recently revealed that her given name, the one she goes by in real life, is Emily.

From Los Angeles Times

An earlier version of this article misspelled the given name of a former owner of The Washington Post.

From New York Times