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

Related Words

• given name