prenome

Prenome is a term used in some languages to denote a person’s given name or forename—the part of a personal name that identifies an individual within a family. It is typically the name used before the family name and is chosen at birth or during a naming ceremony. In many cultures, a person may have more than one given name, with one primary prenome used in everyday life and others serving as middle names or ceremonial names.

Linguistic origins and usage vary by language. In Latin, the equivalent term praenomen referred to the early personal name within the Roman naming system, a concept that influenced modern notions of the forename. In contemporary usage, languages such as French, Portuguese, and others likewise distinguish between prenome (or prénom) and surname, though the exact ordering and conventions differ by culture.

Cultural variations are common. Some naming systems place the family name before the given name, as in several East Asian cultures, while others place the given name before the family name, as in most Western cultures. Many societies allow multiple given names, with different combinations used in formal contexts, legal documents, or social life. The prenome often carries cultural, religious, or familial significance and can reflect naming traditions, honorifics, or parental preferences.

In formal records and databases, the prenome is distinguished from the family name. The study of naming practices, including the selection and usage of prenomes, falls under onomastics. Examples illustrate typical patterns: in John Smith, John is the prenome and Smith the surname; in Maria Anna Lucia Rossi, Maria may be the primary prenome used in daily address, with Anna and Lucia as additional given names.