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
Relevance
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
Many victims, who were children at the time of the abuse, never knew the first names of their abusers.
—
Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
As is customary in Sri Lankan culture, the father’s first name becomes the son’s last name.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
On December 29, 1985, Mulcahy used Duffy’s first name in front of Alison Day.
—Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Editors’ Picks Image Placed Behind Bars Victor, 33, and his sister asked to be identified only by their first names for fear of retaliation because of their immigration situation.
—Lauren Petracca, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for first name
Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
As is customary in Sri Lankan culture, the father’s first name becomes the son’s last name.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
On December 29, 1985, Mulcahy used Duffy’s first name in front of Alison Day.
—Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Editors’ Picks Image Placed Behind Bars Victor, 33, and his sister asked to be identified only by their first names for fear of retaliation because of their immigration situation.
—Lauren Petracca, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for first name
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first name
Noun
-
Not even a year into Lai’s term, China has broken precedent by staging three large-scale exercises, which were given names to raise their profile and distinguish them from smaller drills.—
Bonny Lin,
Foreign Affairs,
15 May 2025
-
This season, the turtles in long-term care were given names based on Greek mythology.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA TODAY,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Unsurprisingly, given its nickname, Little Hell can be a fearsome place to visit.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
14 June 2025
-
The Pitt, which is both a nickname for Robby’s ER and the city in which the show is based, has already been renewed for a second season.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“First name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20name. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share