A chosen first name is the name a person prefers to be called and identified by. A chosen first name may differ from their legal first name. A chosen first name allows a person to use a name that reflects aspects of their identity, including gender, that may not be reflected in their legal first name.

Chosen first names are used in place of legal names for most University business including class lists and YU-cards. The use of chosen first names supports a more inclusive and welcoming environment for community members who may not wish to identify with their legal first name. 

Applicants who wish to use a chosen first name can enter it with their application submitted through the York University Online Application, or on their application in Ontario Universities' Application Centre.  The chosen first name will appear on their financial and academic records. A student's legal name will be displayed on official University documents such as their academic transcript, diploma, and in other official contexts.

In the student context, this is commonly referred to as the 'chosen first name'. In Human Resources and other contexts, it is referred to as the 'preferred first name'.