given name: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
High (B1+)Formal, neutral, official. More technical than 'first name'.
Quick answer
What does “given name” mean?
A personal name bestowed upon an individual at birth or during a naming ceremony.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A personal name bestowed upon an individual at birth or during a naming ceremony; a first name.
The name by which a person is known within family and social contexts, distinct from a family name or surname. In some cultures, multiple given names may be used.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'First name' is more common in everyday speech in both regions. 'Given name' is standard in official forms and cross-cultural contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more formal and precise than 'first name'. In the UK, often used in legal/official documents. In the US, common on government forms and in discussions of naming conventions.
Frequency
Equally understood but less frequent in casual conversation than 'first name' in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “given name” in a Sentence
Please state your given name and surname.The form requires your given name(s).Her given name is Elizabeth.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “given name” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The child was given the name Arthur.
American English
- They gave her the name Sophia.
adjective
British English
- He didn't use his given-name form, preferring a nickname.
American English
- Please complete the given-name field on the W-9.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used on official employment and tax documents: 'Please provide your given name as it appears on your passport.'
Academic
Used in sociological/anthropological studies of naming practices: 'The paper analyses trends in given names over the last century.'
Everyday
Less common than 'first name', but understood: 'On the application, where it says "given name", just put your first name.'
Technical
Standard term in legal, genealogical, and demographic contexts to avoid ambiguity with family name.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “given name”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “given name”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “given name”
- Using 'given name' to refer to a nickname or chosen name (it specifically refers to the official name given at birth/ceremony).
- Confusing the order: 'name given' is incorrect as a fixed term.
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'first name' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most practical contexts, yes. However, 'given name' is more precise in formal/official use, as some cultures have multiple 'first' names, all of which are given names.
Yes, typically all names that are not your surname/family name are considered given names. A 'middle name' is a type of given name.
Use 'given name' on official forms, in legal contexts, or in academic writing about names. Use 'first name' in everyday, informal situations.
It can be, but it is dated and culturally specific, assuming a Christian context. 'Given name' or 'first name' are neutral, preferred terms in multicultural settings.
A personal name bestowed upon an individual at birth or during a naming ceremony.
Given name is usually formal, neutral, official. more technical than 'first name'. in register.
Given name: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪv.n̩ ˌneɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪv.ən ˌneɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A rose by any other name... (related concept)”
- “To give a name to”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A name is GIVEN to you by your parents. It's your GIVEN NAME.
Conceptual Metaphor
NAMES ARE GIFTS (bestowed, received).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'given name' MOST appropriate?