Given name facts for kids
A given name is the name someone receives when they are born or when they are baptized. People often call it their first name. It is different from a surname, which is also known as a last name or family name.
For example, imagine a baby girl is born, and her parents decide to name her Hope. Hope is her given name. Her parents will also give her a surname, which is her family's last name. When she grows up, she might choose to change her given name or surname if she doesn't like the one she was given. However, family names are usually passed down through generations and are not often changed.
Contents
What is a Given Name?
Your given name is the personal name that identifies you as an individual. It is usually chosen by your parents. This name helps people tell you apart from others in your family.
First Name or Last Name?
It's easy to get given names and surnames mixed up. Your given name is almost always your first name. Your surname is your last name, which you share with your family. For example, in the name "Maria Rodriguez," "Maria" is the given name and "Rodriguez" is the surname.
Names Around the World
In many Western countries, like the United States or Canada, the given name comes first. This means your first name is said before your last name.
However, in many Eastern countries, such as Japan and China, the family name comes first. So, the last name is said before the given name. Sometimes, this order is also used in parts of Europe, like in Hungary.
Christians often call their first name their "Christian name." This is because it's the name they receive at their baptism.
Images for kids
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The tomb of Queen Desideria at Riddarholmen Church in Sweden. Her name, Desideria, was given to Désirée Clary when she became Crown Princess of Sweden in 1810, not at birth.
See also
In Spanish: Nombre de pila para niños
