Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

first name

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.49 in modern English

Syllables: first -name
IPA

14

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

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

noun

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

Example Sentences

"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."
"Imagine a country where children do nothing but play until they start compulsory schooling at age seven. Then, without exception, they attend comprehensives until the age of 16.[…]Children address teachers by their first names. Even 15-year-olds do no more than 30 minutes' homework a night."

Etymology

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

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: firste name

Inflected Forms

first names (plural)

Phrases

first-name first-nameless

Synonyms

given name particularly when it forms the first element of a full name forename

Questions

What does first name mean?: The first element of a full name, particularly when it could also be surname in East Asian and other cultural traditions.
Where does first name come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce first name

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “first name”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “first name” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.