first name

¹

noun

1. given name.

first-name

²

[ adjective furst-neym; verb furst-neym ]

adjective

1. of or relating to one's first, or given, name; familiar; intimate:

   They were on a first-name basis soon after meeting.

verb (used with object)

, first-named, first-nam·ing.

1. to address (someone) by their first name, especially as a sign of informality or familiarity:

   The boss doesn't like the employees to first-name her.

first name

noun

1. a name given to a person at birth, as opposed to a surname Also calledChristian nameforenamegiven name

Word History and Origins

Origin of first name¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50

Origin of first name²

First recorded in 1300–50

Example Sentences

The men provided only their first names to The Times, citing job security concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

“I am sure my life is going to change,” said the man, who asked to be identified by only his first name, Hector.

From Los Angeles Times

She eventually took her father’s first name as her stage surname after she had trouble booking roles.

From Los Angeles Times

I was concerned about my personal safety: if this man knew my first name and number, did he know me?

From BBC

In keeping with Ukrainian military protocol, only his first name was shared.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• given name