Legal Definitions - Christian name

A Christian name refers to the personal name given to an individual at birth or during an adoption, distinguishing them from other members of their family. While historically associated with baptism in Christian traditions, in modern legal and general usage, it is synonymous with a person's first name or given name, as opposed to their family name or surname.

• Birth Registration: When parents register the birth of their child, they must provide the child's "Christian name" (for example, "Olivia" or "Noah") along with the family name. This ensures the child has a unique identifier from the outset.

  This example illustrates how the term refers to the specific name chosen by parents to identify their child individually, separate from the shared family name.

• Legal Contracts: If an individual signs a contract, such as a lease agreement or an employment contract, they are typically asked to provide their full legal name, which includes their "Christian name" (for instance, "Sarah" in "Sarah Jenkins"). This ensures the person entering the agreement is clearly identified.

  Here, the "Christian name" is the primary personal identifier used in formal legal documents to confirm the identity of a party to an agreement, distinguishing them from others with the same surname.

• Official Identification: When completing an application for a driver's license, an individual is required to fill out their "Christian name" (e.g., "Michael") in the designated field for "Given Name(s)." This is a fundamental piece of information for personal identification.

  This example demonstrates the term's use in official identification, where the "Christian name" is the specific personal identifier that, combined with the surname, forms the individual's unique legal identity on a government-issued document.