def METHOD_NAME(individual, strict):
    """Get the first name of an individual from their profile"""
    name_pattern = loose_name_pattern
    if strict:
        name_pattern = strict_name_pattern
    try:
        name_match = name_pattern.match(individual.profile.name)
        first_name = name_match.group(1).lower()
    except Exception as e:
        raise InvalidValueError(msg=str(e))
    else:
        return first_name