full names

USAGE SUMMARY

"full names" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person's first and last name. For example, "Please provide your full names on the registration form."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then there are those whose full names are long.

The New York Times

Other women interviewed also declined to give their full names.

The New York Times

Officials were trying to confirm the victims' full names, but their landlord said they were siblings.

The New York Times

Line does not ask users for full names; a pseudonym suffices.

The New York Times - Tech

How many people have you even heard of whose full names are also song titles?

The New Yorker

That's why I'm being vague about locations and agreed to omit full names.

The New York Times

And though you are legion, I will keep on trying to learn your full names.

The New York Times

On the air, Ms. Azawi solicits full names, birth dates, physical descriptions and last-known whereabouts.

The New York Times

The full names of some of the photographers have been withheld to protect their privacy.

The New York Times

(They agreed to speak only if their full names were withheld).

The New York Times

The students were asked to add their full names and from which department they hailed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal documents, always double-check the spelling of "full names" to ensure accuracy and prevent potential issues.

Common error

Don't assume everyone understands what you mean by "full names". Some cultures have different naming conventions (e.g., multiple middle names, surnames that precede given names). Clarify if necessary to avoid errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full names" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the complete official name of a person. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts where accurate identification is crucial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full names" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to refer to a person's complete legal name. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves the purpose of precise identification across diverse contexts, from formal documents to news reports. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's essential to be aware of cultural differences in naming conventions and clarify expectations when requesting or providing "full names". Related phrases like "complete names" and "official names" offer similar meanings, while understanding the context helps determine the appropriate level of formality. Using "full names" correctly ensures clear and accurate communication, preventing confusion or errors in various professional and personal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete names

This alternative emphasizes the completeness of the name, similar to "full names".

entire names

Similar to complete names, emphasizing the inclusion of all parts of the name.

whole names

Focuses on the entirety of the name, mirroring the comprehensiveness of "full names".

legal names

This refers to the name recognized by law, sharing the formal aspect of "full names".

official names

This suggests a formally recognized or recorded name, akin to the intended use of "full names".

given names and surnames

This breaks down "full names" into its components, providing a more descriptive alternative.

registered names

This alternative emphasizes that the name is on the record, very close to "full names".

formal names

Similar to official name, this stresses on the aspect that the name is formal, akin to "full names".

birth names

Highlights the name given at birth, which is usually someone's "full names".

complete identities

This refers to someone's full identification, of which "full names" are an important part.

FAQs

What is the difference between "full names" and nicknames?

"Full names" are the complete, official names given to a person, typically at birth or legally changed. Nicknames are informal, familiar names used in place of "given names" or "full names".

When is it necessary to use "full names" instead of just first names?

Using "full names" is crucial in formal contexts like legal documents, academic papers, and professional correspondence, where precise identification is essential.

What should I do if I'm unsure of someone's "full names"?

If you are unsure, politely ask the person for their "full names". It's always better to confirm than to make assumptions, especially in formal or official settings.

Are "full names" the same as "distinguished names" in computing?

While both involve complete identifiers, "full names" refer to people, whereas "distinguished names" are used in computing to uniquely identify entities within a directory service.