baptismal name
Noun: - The first name given to a person, typically a Christian, at their baptism or christening. This name is formally bestowed during the religious ceremony and is often the same as the person's given or first name used in secular life.
The term "baptismal name" specifically refers to the name received in the Christian sacrament of baptism. It is used in religious, historical, and genealogical contexts. - Her baptismal name is Margaret, though everyone calls her Meg. - The priest asked the parents what baptismal name they had chosen for their child. - In the old parish register, he found his great-grandfather's baptismal name recorded as 'John'.
- "to take a baptismal name": to choose or be given a name at baptism, sometimes different from one's birth name.
- Upon converting, she took the baptismal name 'Teresa'.
- The concept can be extended metaphorically in non-religious contexts to mean an initial or foundational name given in a significant ceremony.
- The new ship's baptismal name was 'The Dawn Treader'. (This is a figurative use, as the formal ceremony for a ship is a "christening").
- Christian name: A largely synonymous term, though it can be considered less formal and is sometimes used more broadly to mean "first name" in certain cultures.
- Given name: A more general, secular term for a personal name bestowed at or near birth.
- Baptismal: (Adjective) Of or relating to baptism.
- The family heirloom was a beautiful baptismal gown.
- Christian name
- Christening name
While "baptismal name" traditionally refers to a name given in a Christian rite, it is important to distinguish it from: - Confirmation name: A saint's name sometimes taken during the Catholic sacrament of Confirmation, which is separate from baptism. - Religious name: A name taken upon entering a religious order (e.g., a nun or monk), which is a later commitment.
The term is specific to the rite of baptism and is not generally used for naming ceremonies in other faiths.
- the first name given to Christians at birth or christening