Pronunciation: [fˈɔː nˈe͡ɪmz] (IPA) 
The term "fore names" refers to a person's given names, or first and middle names. The word is spelled with a space between "fore" and "names," and the phonetic transcription is fɔrneɪmz. The "fore" part of the word comes from the Middle English word "for," meaning "first" or "before." This term is commonly used in British English, while American English typically uses the term "first name" to refer to a person's given names.
Forenames, also known as first names or given names, refer to the personal names that are given to individuals at birth or during infancy. These names are used primarily in order to distinguish and address individuals within a social or family context. Forenames are generally chosen by parents or legal guardians and hold considerable significance as they are often a reflection of cultural, religious, or familial customs and traditions.
Forenames commonly consist of one or more words, and they are typically different from surnames or last names, which indicate family or lineage names. In many cultures, forenames are individualistic and unique to each person, distinguishing them from others within their community or family. They serve as a form of personal identification and are employed in various aspects of life, including official records, legal documents, social interactions, and personal introductions.
Typically, individuals are given a single first name at birth, although it is not uncommon for people to have multiple forenames. These additional names may be used to commemorate family members, honor historical figures, denote religious affiliations, or symbolize personal preferences. Forenames can be influenced by cultural trends, historical events, or popular figures, and can vary widely across regions and communities.
Overall, forenames play a crucial role in personal identity, enabling effective communication and differentiation among individuals within a society.
The term "forenames" has a straightforward etymology. It is derived from the words "fore" and "names". Here is a breakdown:
1. Fore: In this context, "fore" means "before" or "preceding". This word comes from Middle English and Old English, ultimately tracing back to the Proto-Germanic word "furai", meaning "before" or "in front of".
2. Names: This word refers to the personal designations by which individuals are identified. "Names" comes from Middle English and Old English, going back to the Proto-Germanic word "namô", which means "name" or "reputation".
Therefore, "forenames" is a compound noun combining "fore" and "names" to describe the names preceding or coming before someone's surname or family name.
