selfname

plural selfnames · alternative self-name · alternative self name

1. A proper name; a name for one's own self, as opposed to one's family; one's real name.

   But first of all came Lystra with her selfname.

   2000, Joan Slonczewski, A Door Into Ocean

   2 more examples

   Surnames are, with a few exceptions, monosyllabic. Selfnames can be either monosyllabic or bisyllabic.

   1986, Nikukua Sai Nagkiariien Nininife: - Issues 94-95; Issue 110, page 181

   "Oh, Elements," she finally managed to say, sitting back against the seat cushion of the pilot's chair, "is that truly your selfname?" "James, actually."

   2000, Diane Duane, My Enemy, My Ally

2. anthropologyA name given to oneself; a self-denomination or self-appellation.

   Mina is the selfname of the language referred to in the literature as Hina or Besleri.

   2005, Zygmunt Frajzyngier, Eric Johnston, A Grammar of Mina

3. An autonym.

   In the past, the Ainu (their selfname meaning 'person'), traditionally huntergatherers, occupied not only Hokkaido but also a considerable part of the island of Honshu until the middle the eighteenth century, [...]

   2009, Nicolas Tranter, The Languages of Japan and Korea