A person's first name given at birth, as opposed to their surname or family name.
From 'fore-' (first) + 'name'. This straightforward term contrasts with 'surname,' using 'fore' to mean the name that comes first.
The 'fore' in forename is spatial, not temporal—it refers to position in a person's name (first-place), not time, which is why the term has remained relevant while other 'fore-' words faded.
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