Given

Given is an English word name derived from the past participle of the verb give, ultimately of Old Norse origin. As a given name, it is most commonly found in Zambia and other parts of southern Africa, where names with positive meanings like 'gift' or 'given' are popular. The name reflects the idea of a child being a gift or a blessing, similar to names such as Dovydas or Doron.

The name Given is also a surname in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. According to the 2010 United States Census, Given ranks as the 8784th most common surname, with 3733 bearers, predominantly of White ethnicity (92.37%). The surname may have arisen as a patronymic or a nickname for a generous person.

Notable bearers of the name Given include Given Mkhari, a South African businessman and media executive, and Given Maololo, a Malawian footballer. In popular culture, the name appears in the title of the anime and manga series Given, which follows a band of musicians. However, the name's usage as a first name remains relatively rare outside of Africa.

Etymology and Related Names

The word given comes from Middle English given, from Old Norse gefa (to give). Cognates in other languages include the Swedish word given. The name is etymologically unrelated to the goddess Gefjon (or Gefion) from Norse mythology, whose name likely derives from the verb gefa as well, but it is listed as a related name due to the shared root meaning 'to give'. Given is sometimes considered a modern non-traditional name in Christian contexts, drawing from the concept of God's gift.

• Meaning: Given, gift
• Origin: English, Old Norse
• Type: Vocabulary name
• Usage: First name (primarily in Africa) and surname (English-speaking countries)