first name
first name
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "first name" is /ˈfɜːrst neɪm/.
first: /fɜːrst/
name: /neɪm/
Word Form Variations
Noun: first name (singular), first names (plural)
Adjective: first-name (used in compound forms, e.g., "first-name basis")
Verb: (No direct verb form)
Adverb: (No direct adverb form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
First Name
The personal name given to an individual at birth or baptism, distinct from the family name.
Synonyms: given name, Christian name, forename, personal name
Antonyms: surname, last name, family name
Adjective
First-Name (used in compound forms)
Referring to an informal relationship where individuals use each other's given names.
Synonyms: informal, familiar, casual
Antonyms: formal, distant, professional, surname-only
Examples of Use
Books
Forms/Documents in Fiction: In novels where characters fill out forms or official documents, the "first name" field is often explicitly mentioned. "She filled in her first name as 'Eleanor' and her last as 'Rigby'."
Biographies/Autobiographies: Authors often introduce individuals by their full name and then subsequently refer to them by their first name to establish familiarity. For example, Becoming by Michelle Obama, after the initial introduction, often refers to her husband as "Barack" by his first name (Crown, November 2018).
Children's Books: Many children's books or educational materials might have activities asking kids to write their first name.
Newspapers
Registration Forms/Applications: Public notices or applications published in newspapers, like for events or jobs, invariably have fields for "Last Name" and "First Name."
Obituaries: While typically listing the full name, some more informal or community-based obituaries might state, "He was known to all by his first name, 'Smitty'."
Interviews/Profiles: When a prominent figure is being introduced, a journalist might note, "Despite his global fame, he prefers to be called by his first name."
Online Publications
Online Forms/Registration: Virtually every website that requires user accounts, such as email services, social media, or e-commerce sites, will have separate input fields for "First Name" and "Last Name."
Social Media Profiles: Users typically list their first name (and often last name) in their public profiles. Discussions on etiquette might suggest, "It's polite to address someone by their first name if they're a peer."
Customer Service Portals: When you contact customer support, the initial prompt often asks for your "first name" to quickly identify your account.
Email Communication: Standard professional emails often start with "Dear [Recipient's First Name]."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Character Creation in Video Games: Many role-playing games (RPGs) or simulation games prompt players to enter their character's first name (and last name) at the beginning.
Reality TV/Game Shows: Hosts often address contestants by their first name to create a sense of personal connection. "Welcome, Sarah, what's your first name again?"
Fan Mail/Meet-and-Greets: Celebrities often sign autographs with just their first name if they have a recognizable public persona.
Online Tutorials/Courses: Instructors might begin by saying, "Hello, my first name is Alex, and I'll be your guide today."
General Public Discourse
Introductions: When meeting new people, it's standard to introduce yourself with your first name. "Hi, my first name is John."
Formal vs. Informal Address: Discussions about etiquette often distinguish between using someone's title and last name versus their first name. "In our office, we're mostly on a first-name basis."
Identity Questions: When asked for identification, individuals might be asked to state their first name. "What's your first name for the record?"
Family Discussions: Parents might decide on a first name for a newborn. "We're still debating between a few first names for the baby."
10 Quotes Using First Name
"My first name is Fred." (Fred Rogers, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood)
"Your first name is the very first song you learn to recognize about yourself."
"The sound of your own first name, spoken by a loved one, carries a unique comfort."
"A simple greeting by first name can sometimes bridge great social distances."
"Always remember that behind every formal title is a human being with a first name."
"The choice of a child's first name is often a parent's first profound gift of identity."
"While some prefer formality, a first name often invites immediate closeness and connection."
"He introduced himself with only his first name, implying an instant bond and familiarity."
"Your first name is the initial key to your identity, whispered or shouted to the world."
"The strongest professional bonds are frequently those forged on a comfortable first name basis."
Etymology
The term "first name" is a compound of "first" and "name."
The word "first" comes from the Old English word "fyrst," meaning "foremost" or "earliest."
The word "name" comes from the Old English word "nama," meaning "a word by which a person, animal, place, or thing is called."
The combination "first name" entered English by the late 14th century. Its first known use referred to the personal name given at birth, distinguishing it from a surname or family name, which often came after.
Phrases + Idioms Containing First Name
First-name basis: An informal relationship where people address each other by their given names. "Most colleagues are on a first-name basis in our office."
On a first-name basis with: To be familiar with someone, implying a casual or direct relationship. "She's so well-connected, she's practically on a first-name basis with half the city council."
By one's first name: Identified or addressed only by one's given name, suggesting familiarity. "He prefers to be called simply by his first name."
Know by first name: To know someone informally. "I only know him by his first name."
What's your first name?: A common question when asking for someone's given name. "Before we proceed, what's your first name?"
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of first name from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
