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Definition of forename

forename

/ˈfɔːr.neɪm/
fore · name
Plural:forenames
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forename Lexical Profile

forename Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person's first or given name, which precedes the family name or surname in Western naming conventions.

Example

"Please enter your surname and forename in block capitals at the top of the application form."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for forename

Word Nuance & Usage

'Forename' is primarily used on official, administrative, or legal forms (especially in British English) as a culturally neutral alternative to 'Christian name', whereas 'first name' or 'given name' is much more common in everyday speech.

• Nearby Words

forementioned
foremost
foremother
forename
forenoon
forensic
forensically

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from the prefix 'fore-' (before, in front) and 'name', modeled after the Latin 'praenomen' and German 'Vorname'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Forename. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/forename
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