first given name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first given name" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for or referring to someone's primary name, typically in contexts like forms or identification. Example: "Please enter your first given name in the space provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

An inscription inside said, "Johann Mozart, 1783," using the composer's first given name.

The New York Times - Arts

In Germany, as in Iceland, unisex names are banned, while a first given name must not negatively affect the well-being of the child.

The New York Times

However, utilizing surname and the initial of the first given name will generate a lot of merging errors of name disambiguation [44].

EPJ Data Science

Her first given name is Indonesian: Siryana.

Huffington Post

(Shaw disliked his first given name and didn't use it, surely a fact Staller knows well).

Huffington Post

This is due to the large number of names of the form " givenname surname", which resulted in a very high transition probability from the first given name state to the first surname state.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Her third given name, Endellion, is taken from the village of St Endellion near where the Camerons were holidaying.

Wikipedia

Her maternal grandmother, Landgravine Marie Louise of Hesse-Darmstadt, and her paternal first-cousin Princess Augusta Sophia of the United Kingdom served as sponsors at her baptism; her second given name came from Princess Augusta Sophie.

Wikipedia

Often the HMMs misclassified the middle name as a second given name instead of the first of two surnames.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Therefore a second given name is often assigned by the HMM as a first surname, and the real surname as a second surname.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Chinese names A Chinese name is written with the family name (last name) first and the given name next.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When filling out forms or official documents, use "first given name" to clearly specify which name is being requested, avoiding confusion with surnames or middle names.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands the distinction between "first given name" and surname. Always clarify if needed, especially in international contexts where naming conventions vary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first given name" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as an attribute specifying which name is being referred to, especially in forms and data entry. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first given name" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, particularly in official and professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves the purpose of precisely identifying an individual's primary name, distinguishing it from other name components like surnames or middle names. While alternatives like "first name" or "forename" exist, "first given name" offers enhanced clarity in situations where potential ambiguity arises. The usage patterns reveal its prevalence across scientific, news media, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, clarity and context are paramount to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first name

A common and widely understood synonym.

given name

A shorter, more general term that still implies the primary name.

forename

A more formal and traditional term for "first given name".

primary name

Emphasizes the main or principal name.

personal name

Focuses on the individual's name rather than its order.

legal first name

Indicates the officially recognized first name.

birth name

Emphasizes the name assigned at birth.

initial name

Highlights the name used for initial identification.

baptismal name

Refers to the name given at baptism, often used historically.

Christian name

Another historical term, synonymous with baptismal name.

FAQs

What is the difference between "first name" and "first given name"?

"First name" and "first given name" are generally interchangeable, but "first given name" is more precise, clarifying that it's the name given at birth or christening, not the family name or surname.

How do I properly ask for someone's "first given name" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you can ask: "Could you please provide your "first given name"?" or "Please state your "first given name". Both are polite and clear.

What alternatives can I use instead of "first given name"?

You can use alternatives like "forename", "given name", or simply "first name", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it necessary to specify 'first' when asking for a "given name"?

Specifying 'first' is helpful for clarity, particularly in forms or databases, to distinguish it from other "given names" like middle names. If there is no risk of confusion the "given name" alone is equally correct.