given name

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "given name" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is used to refer to the name given to a person at birth, or a name by which a person is commonly known (as opposed to a surname or family name). Example: Her given name is Mary, but she goes by Molly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Gone is his given name.

The New York Times

Guofan was Zeng's given name.

The New York Times

(Her given name was Muriel).

The New York Times

El-Hadj was just his given name.

The New Yorker

Her given name is Deborah Denise Trachtenberg.

The New York Times

Her given name is "Jun," not Joyce.

The New York Times

(His given name was occasionally spelled Earle).

The New York Times - Arts

(His given name is pronounced an-DREE).

The New York Times

(His given name is pronounced Jerry).

The New York Times

What was his given name?

The New York Times

Stanton's full given name is Giancarlo Cruz Michael Stanton.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "first name" in less formal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "given name" when referring to a nickname or an informal name someone prefers to be called. "Given name" refers specifically to the name assigned at birth or baptism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given name" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the personal name, typically the first name, assigned to an individual at birth or christening. It is used to distinguish the personal name from the family name or surname. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given name" is a grammatically correct noun phrase referring to a person's first name, used to distinguish it from their surname. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent usage, especially in formal contexts such as news reports and official documentation. While often interchangeable with "first name", "given name" carries a slightly more formal tone. Common errors include misusing it for nicknames or preferred informal names. Related terms include "forename" and "Christian name", each with nuanced differences. As shown in the examples, it's a useful term for clarity in identity verification and correcting name misspellings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first name

This alternative is a more common and widely understood synonym.

forename

This alternative is a more formal synonym, typically used in official contexts.

legal first name

This alternative highlights the legal aspect of the first name.

Christian name

This alternative is an older term, less frequently used today and potentially culturally specific.

official first name

This alternative focuses on the officially recognized first name.

name given at birth

This alternative clarifies that the name was assigned at the time of birth.

birth name

This alternative emphasizes the name assigned at birth, which may differ from a currently used name.

primary name

This alternative signifies the main name used for identification.

personal name

This alternative is broader, encompassing any name used to identify an individual.

baptismal name

This alternative is specific to names given during baptism, a religious ceremony.

FAQs

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

The "given name" is the name you receive at birth or christening, while the surname is your family name, inherited from your parents.

Is "given name" the same as "first name"?

Yes, "given name" and "first name" are generally interchangeable, though "given name" is slightly more formal.

What is another term for "given name"?

Another term for "given name" is "forename", which is more commonly used in British English.

Can someone have more than one "given name"?

Yes, it is common for people to have multiple "given names", also known as middle names.