Christian name

noun

1. Also called baptismal name. the name given one at baptism, as distinguished from the family name.
2. a person's first or given name.

Christian name

noun

1. a personal name formally given to Christians at christening

Usage

This word was often loosely used to mean any person's first name as distinct from his or her surname. Nowadays, especially in official documents, alternatives which do not refer to a particular faith, and are therefore more inclusive, are often used: first name , forename and given name

Word History and Origins

Origin of Christian name¹

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

Since they were sitting in the nursery, her mother allowed the christian name to pass without reproof.

From Project Gutenberg

My husband wanted to give me a pleasant surprise, for the name of this estate is identical with my Christian-name.

From Project Gutenberg

I was a foundling child, picked up somewhere or another, and I always understood my christian-name to be Gill.

From Project Gutenberg

I hardly like calling you by your christian name but it sounds so like a surname that perhaps it won't be so bad.

From Project Gutenberg

His christian name was William, and his wearing a longer sword than was usual gave him his surname.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• given name