baptismal name

noun

Definition of baptismal namenext
as in first name

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of baptismal name Toni is an abbreviation of her baptismal name, Anthony. — Literary Hub, 21 May 2026 Born with his baptismal name of Robert Francis Prevost, his papal name is more of a traditional choice — and one with a storied history. — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 9 May 2025 Of the 266 popes in history, 129 have chosen names different from their baptismal names. — Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 The new pope’s name, as well as his baptismal names, will be translated into Latin in the announcement but his former surname will remain in his native language. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 May 2025 While popes have the option of keeping their baptismal name, every pope for the last 470 years has chosen to change his name, usually to honor a predecessor and to signal their intention to emulate his example. — Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025 Until last year, John Henry Newman, as he is known by his baptismal name, was studying to become a priest at a Roman Catholic seminary in Yangon. — New York Times, 30 Mar. 2022 She was given the name Sister Seraphia and later returned to her baptismal name, Carol Estelle. — Jacques Kelly, baltimoresun.com, 22 May 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baptismal name
  1. first name
  2. given name
  3. family name
  4. maiden name
  5. middle name
Noun
  • He’s named after Axl Rose Fergie and Duhamel drew inspiration from the Guns N’ Roses frontman for their son’s first name.
    — Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The sticker will feature a butterfly — an image that Parton had long used in her logos — with the singer’s first name in her handwriting in the middle, all in Tennessee orange and white.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of first name
Noun
  • The humanoid robots, dressed in black Tau Robotics uniforms and given names such as Chelsea and Elon, perform household chores like vacuuming, cleaning kitchen counters and taking out the trash.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • In this latest phase, many harms that were once difficult to describe have been given names, so that they can be better identified and confronted.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
Definition of given name
Noun
  • The family name remained when The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts took over in 2016.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The Atlanta native is excited to carry his dreams and the family name forward.
    — PJ Green August 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of family name
Noun
  • Stein’s maiden name is Prosterman, according to the formal demand.
    — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Woods, who competes using her maiden name Sophie Amy Grant, set off on July 4 in Trieste, Italy, and finished on the Mediterranean coast of Monaco.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of maiden name
Noun
  • At the time, Fergie and Duhamel had already decided on his middle name, Jack, after Fergie’s late uncle, who had died the year prior.
    — Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Her first name honored her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, while her middle name honored her late grandmother, Princess Diana.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of middle name

Browse Nearby Words

baptism
baptismal name
baptismal names
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Cite this Entry

“Baptismal name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baptismal%20name. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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