Given name (personal or first name)
A given name is the personal name assigned to an individual at birth, baptism, or later; it contrasts with family or surname and varies by culture, legal practice, and social use.
Given name refers to the personal name assigned to an individual, typically at birth, at a religious ceremony, or shortly thereafter. A common practice is to record this name on official documents and use it in everyday address. In many English-speaking contexts it is called a "first name"; other cultures use different placement and terminology. For a basic definition see given name and for religious naming events see baptismal naming.
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Characteristics and variants
Given names can be single or compound (for example, two given names), and people often use shortened forms or nicknames. They are distinct from a surname or family name, which identifies familial lineage; for a comparison of these concepts see surname. Many societies also use middle names, patronymics, matronymics, or clan names that coexist with one or more given names.
Order and cultural differences
The order in which a given name and family name appear varies by culture. In much of Europe and the Americas the given name precedes the family name, while in several East Asian cultures the family name comes first. For example, name order conventions in Japan are noted in Japanese naming, and in China in Chinese naming. Some countries, such as Hungary, also commonly place the family name before the given name; see Hungarian naming for details.
History and social significance
Names have long served practical and symbolic roles: they distinguish individuals, express parental hopes, reflect religious or ethnic identity, and can mark changes in social status. Many Christian communities historically used the term "Christian name" to indicate the personal name given at baptism; contemporary practice varies and the term survives in some contexts as a traditional expression; see Christian name.
Legal use, change, and identity
Legal systems define how given names are recorded, altered, and protected. Most jurisdictions permit name changes by court order or administrative procedure, though the ease of changing a family name or given name differs by country. Given names are often subject to cultural norms and restrictions—some places prohibit names that could cause offense or confusion, while others have wide latitude.
Common examples and usage
Examples help clarify usage: a child named "Hope" would have that as a given name while inheriting a family surname from parents. As adults, some people adopt different given names, use middle names, or prefer initials. In written and spoken communication the choice of using a formal given name, a nickname, or a title depends on context, formality, and personal preference. For further reading on naming practices across societies see the linked subjects above and related resources.
- Overview: personal identifier used in daily and legal life
- Variants: single, compound, nicknames, and middle names
- Cultural notes: order and customary usage differ worldwide
- Legal aspects: registration, restrictions, and name-change procedures
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Given name (personal or first name) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/39044