first name

This term refers to the personal identifier given at birth, distinguishing an individual from other members of their family. In Western cultures, it is positioned before the surname, though this order varies globally. It is typically associated with intimacy and informality; addressing someone by their first name usually implies a closer relationship or a more casual social setting.

In official or legal contexts, it is often interchangeable with given name. Users should be aware that in some East Asian cultures, the family name precedes the given name, which can lead to confusion when filling out international forms that specifically request a first name.