first name

noun

: the name that stands first in one's full name

Examples of first name in a Sentence

Children at the school call their teachers by their first names. the parents still haven't picked a first name for the baby
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Beth asked to be identified only by their first name to protect their safety as a victim of human trafficking. Sylvan Lebrun, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2024 Courtesy Emaline Emaline, who asked to go by her first name because of concerns over a state policy related to trans teachers, is getting her master’s degree in teaching and currently works in a public middle school. Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024 Another corrected her classmate’s pronunciation of the candidate’s first name. Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 Choosing the ideal first name for your baby boy is not easy. Sherri Gordon, Clc, Parents, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for first name 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first name was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near first name

Cite this Entry

“First name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20name. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on first name

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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