government name

government name (plural government names)

1. One's (partial or full) legal name, as opposed to one's nickname or street name; one's government-recognized name.
   • 1981, Bona Malwal, People & power in Sudan: the struggle for national stability, page 60:

     One of the most prominent tribal chiefs of the South, the late Chief Jambo of the Moru tribe, once remarked, when he was asked by his tribe how he came to acquire the Muslim name of Ibrahim, that it was his 'government name'.

   • 2007, Matt Diehl, My So-Called Punk: Green Day, Fall Out Boy, The Distillers, Bad Religion---How Neo-Punk Stage-Dived Into the Mainstream, Macmillan, →ISBN, page 5:

     Operation Ivy was formed in Berkeley, California, during the summer of 1987 by guitarist Lint (who would become better known under his government name, Tim Armstrong), bassist Matt Freeman, drummer Dave Mello, and […]

   • 2012, Sherard H. Adams, The Prince of Pentium: A Life of a Hustler and a Computer Hacker, Trafford Publishing, →ISBN, page 123:

     “Excuse me, Mr. Prince!” No sooner had the officer called him by his government name than Pistol G had drawn his pistol. Eight words made him stop. “Mr. Rosalini would like to speak with you.” Prince couldn't believe what he'd just heard.

   • 2012, Main D, Mo Money Mo Power, Xlibris Corporation, →ISBN, page 101:

     When the Neil-looking white dude answered the phone, Sam called him by his government name and said, “What's up, Benny? I haven't heard from you.”

   • 2019, Kolie Crutcher, Rick Ross, The 21 KEYS Of Success: Ridin’ With Rick, Kolie Crutcher, →ISBN, page 165:

     Now, by no means is any rapper, performer or entertainer expected or obligated to build their career and perform under their government name. Many rappers and performers use names that are more catchy and clever-sounding […]

• legal name
• slave name