Legal Definitions - given name

A given name refers to the personal name an individual receives at birth or adoption, which serves to identify them uniquely from others, particularly when used alongside a family name. It is commonly known as a first name.

• Example 1: Official Identification
  When applying for a driver's license, an individual must accurately provide their given name as it appears on their birth certificate or other primary identification documents. For instance, if a person's birth certificate lists their name as "Maria Elena Rodriguez," then "Maria" would be her given name, which must be entered correctly on the application form.

• Example 2: Legal Proceedings
  During a court hearing, a witness is typically asked to state their full name for the record. If the witness states, "My name is David Michael Chen," then "David" is their given name. This establishes their primary personal identifier for the court's documentation and proceedings.

• Example 3: Estate Planning
  In a last will and testament, a testator (the person making the will) might specify beneficiaries by their full legal names. For example, a will might state, "I bequeath my property to my niece, Sarah Elizabeth Miller." In this context, "Sarah" is the niece's given name, clearly identifying her as the intended recipient of the inheritance.