as in Christian names
a name that is placed before one's family name
the parents still haven't picked a first name for the baby
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Recent Examples of first names
His mother, Martha — who asked that CBS News use their first names only to protect their privacy — says the experience saved his life.
—
Samantha Rappaport, CBS News, 18 May 2026
And when asked to describe the rest of his life in five words, Obama chose the words joy and useful, plus the first names of former first lady Michelle Obama and their two kids, Malia and Sasha.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 14 May 2026
The couple — Ramon and Elsy — asked to be identified by their first names only, citing fear of retaliation.
—Shoshana Walter, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
Male names dominate the list of most common first names because there’s less variety in baby boy names than baby girl names, Census Bureau senior geographer Joshua Comenetz said in a report.
—Joe Murphy, NBC news, 6 May 2026
Sandy Proksa is an expressive arts specialist who worked with at least 10 of the dozens of artists represented in the exhibit, including the two who attended the opening, identified in the gallery only by their first names Mark and Velta.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
In late 2024, housekeeping supervisors Patsy and Elsy, who are referred to in the first lawsuit against Jenner as well, by their first names only, stepped into their leadership roles.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Viewers tend to refer to anchors like Savannah Guthrie, Robin Roberts and Gayle King by their first names and regard watching them as part of a morning ritual.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
For some families, maiden names or other significant surnames are carried on as first names.
—Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 1 Apr. 2026
Samantha Rappaport, CBS News, 18 May 2026
And when asked to describe the rest of his life in five words, Obama chose the words joy and useful, plus the first names of former first lady Michelle Obama and their two kids, Malia and Sasha.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 14 May 2026
The couple — Ramon and Elsy — asked to be identified by their first names only, citing fear of retaliation.
—Shoshana Walter, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
Male names dominate the list of most common first names because there’s less variety in baby boy names than baby girl names, Census Bureau senior geographer Joshua Comenetz said in a report.
—Joe Murphy, NBC news, 6 May 2026
Sandy Proksa is an expressive arts specialist who worked with at least 10 of the dozens of artists represented in the exhibit, including the two who attended the opening, identified in the gallery only by their first names Mark and Velta.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
In late 2024, housekeeping supervisors Patsy and Elsy, who are referred to in the first lawsuit against Jenner as well, by their first names only, stepped into their leadership roles.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Viewers tend to refer to anchors like Savannah Guthrie, Robin Roberts and Gayle King by their first names and regard watching them as part of a morning ritual.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
For some families, maiden names or other significant surnames are carried on as first names.
—Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first names
Noun
-
The seven kittens were given names meant to honor where they were born.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Why add a surname or include a father’s fathers’ given names given to me at birth to identify me?—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Many customers even give the autonomous devices nicknames!—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
In the South, nicknames are earned, not given.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“First names.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20names. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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