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. See first name
   another term for first name

Word History and Origins

Origin of given name¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Though her given name is Diana, she was renamed “Daisy” by her husband, Hal, during their dating days.

From Washington Post

She now chooses to go with the phonetic pronunciation of her given name as a nod to her new direction, debuting RIP Bonzai in 2018 under the new name.

From Ozy

His given name was Yitzhak-Meir Gitlis, and he answered to Isaac.

From Washington Post

Once, at a party in the mid-1980s, I asked Gracie Mansion, the Manhattan gallerist, if she would mind divulging her given name.

From The Daily Beast

And he had used her given name as he added: "Mademoiselle Diane is somewhat interested in our projects."

From Project Gutenberg

A woman should not sign only her given name in a letter to a man unless he is her fiancé or a relative or an old family friend.

From Project Gutenberg

I said, "Am (that was pard's given name, for short), I do not believe that dog wants to go with you any more than you want him."

From Project Gutenberg

Use English capital letters, which you can easily make with your pen, and spell out in full at least one Christian or given name.

From Project Gutenberg

I beg you to write the inscription to the Prince as I do not know his given name—the 3rd copy please keep for your wife.

From Project Gutenberg