givenname

A given name, also called a forename, is the personal name used to identify an individual within a family or social group, as distinct from the family name (surname). It is typically chosen at birth or shortly after and, in many cultures, is the primary name the person is known by in daily life. A person may have multiple given names, with one serving as the common or preferred name.

Naming patterns vary by culture. In many Western contexts, the given name precedes the family name, and people may have one or more middle names. In East Asia, the family name often appears first, with the given name following; given names can be one or two syllables and are frequently chosen for their meaning. Arabic naming traditions commonly combine a given name with a sequence of other elements such as patronymics and a family name. Icelandic naming practices traditionally rely on patronymics or matronymics rather than fixed family surnames. Indian naming practices are highly diverse and may involve multiple given names, along with regional or caste-based surnames, with variations in which name is used publicly.

Etymology and purpose: the term highlights that the name is the one given to a person, as opposed to inherited or inherited-family identifiers. Given names often carry cultural, religious, or personal significance and may be chosen to honor relatives, convey hopes, or reflect linguistic meaning.

Legal and social aspects: many jurisdictions regulate permissible names or require official registration. Some people use stage, pen, or chosen names that differ from their birth given names. Societal trends influence given-name popularity and diversity over time.