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Christian name. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
Christian name, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
Christian name in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
Christian name you have here. The definition of the word
Christian name will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
Christian name, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Christian + name.
Noun
Christian name (plural Christian names)
- (Christianity) A first name formally given to a child at a Christian baptism.
- (by extension) Any forename.
- (Singapore) An English given name, particularly for ethnic Chinese who usually have a separate Chinese name.
Usage notes
Many non-Christian people find this term offensive when used to refer to them. The synonyms can be used to avoid any possible offense.
Quotations
1811, [Jane Austen], chapter XII, in Sense and Sensibility , volume I, London: C Roworth, , and published by T Egerton, , →OCLC, pages 137–138:This was all overheard by Miss Dashwood; and in the whole of the sentence, in his manner of pronouncing it, and in his addressing her sister by her christian name alone, she instantly saw an intimacy so decided, a meaning so direct, as marked a perfect agreement between them.
1811, [Jane Austen], chapter XIV, in Sense and Sensibility , volume II, London: C Roworth, , and published by T Egerton, , →OCLC, pages 277–278:Mrs. Dashwood had never been so much pleased with any young women in her life, as she was with them; had given each of them a needle-book, made by some emigrant; called Lucy by her christen name; and did not know whether she should ever be able to part with them.
Synonyms
Related terms
Translations
first name at Christian baptism