Phrase guide

first name

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The first element of a full name, particularly when it could also be surname in East Asian and other cultural traditions.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • In a structure typical for East Asia cultures, first names are usually used as family names. It usually identifies that person is a one of the members of a group (typically a family or clan) who have a common family name.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Synonym of given name, particularly when it forms the first element of a full name.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: given name, particularly when it forms the first element of a full name

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

the name that precedes the surname

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: given name, forename

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: name

Narrower terms: Christian name, baptismal name, praenomen

History

Etymology

From Middle English firste name, first nam, equivalent to first + name.