A "given name" is the name that is assigned to a person at birth or during a naming ceremony. It is often used to identify individuals in everyday life and is typically placed before the family name or surname. For example, in the name John Smith, "John" is the given name. Given names can vary widely across cultures and languages. They may have specific meanings or be chosen based on family traditions, religious significance, or personal preferences. Some people may also have multiple given names, such as Mary Anne, where both "Mary" and "Anne" are considered given names.