Called earlier (3)
I believe the answer is:
nee
'called' is the definition.
(nee may be written to show someone's name at birth)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nee that I've seen before include "(Of married woman) born (with name)" , "Born as (French)" , "It indicates a married woman's single name" , "Adjective used to give woman's maiden name" , "called before wedding?" .)