first name

noun

Definition of first namenext
as in Christian name
a name that is placed before one's family name the parents still haven't picked a first name for the baby

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of first name Well, the new royal’s first name is Adelaide, reportedly inspired by Maria Adelaide of Portugal and William IV’s wife, Queen Adelaide. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026 The victim's wife, who asked to be identified only by her first name, Marlene, and did not want her face shown, said she was outraged by what happened. — Peter D'oench, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Be ready to enter your first name, last name, email address, and choose either one or two tickets, plus check off a box. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026 They are identified by their first names only because of Vietnamese laws protecting vulnerable minors. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first name
  1. given name
  2. nickname
Noun
  • The humanoid robots, dressed in black Tau Robotics uniforms and given names such as Chelsea and Elon, perform household chores like vacuuming, cleaning kitchen counters and taking out the trash.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • In this latest phase, many harms that were once difficult to describe have been given names, so that they can be better identified and confronted.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
Definition of given name
Noun
  • Flair, whose nickname was The Nature Boy, is one of the all-time great former wrestlers.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The new whisky series is called Moments from The Glorious Playground, a reference to the nickname for the area surrounding Gleneagles.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of nickname

Browse Nearby Words

firstly
first name
first names
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Cite this Entry

“First name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20name. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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