Definition

1. Noun:
   • The name that precedes the surname: A personal name bestowed upon an individual, typically at birth or during a naming ceremony, which distinguishes them from other members of a family who share the same surname. It is also commonly called a first name or forename.

Usage

• A given name is used to address or refer to a person informally or formally, often in conjunction with a surname.
• In many Western cultures, the given name comes before the surname (e.g., "Mary" in "Mary Smith").
• It is the name most frequently used by friends and family.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Her given name is Elizabeth, but everyone calls her Liz.
  • On the official form, please write your surname first, followed by your given name.
  • The name "Michael" is a very common given name for boys.

Advanced Usage

• "To go by one's given name": To use the full, formal version of one's first name, as opposed to a nickname.
  • Although his friends call him "Mike," in professional settings he goes by his given name, "Michael."
• "Christian name": A traditional term, now less common, synonymous with given name, originating from the practice of baptismal naming in Christian cultures.
  • He asked for my Christian name, so I told him it was "James."

Variants and Related Words

• First name (n): The most common synonym for given name.
  • Please state your first name and last name.
• Forename (n): A more formal synonym, often used in official or administrative contexts.
  • The document requires your forename and surname.
• Baptismal name (n): A given name conferred at a Christian baptism.

Synonyms

• First name
• Forename
• Personal name

Antonyms

• Surname (n): The hereditary name common to all members of a family, as distinguished from a given name.
  • "Smith" is her surname.

Related Phrases

• Maiden name (n): The original surname of a person (typically a woman) before marriage.
  • Her given name is Sarah, and her maiden name was Johnson.
• Full name (n): The complete name of a person, including all given names and the surname.
  • His full name is Robert James Wilson.

Noun

1. the name that precedes the surname