Why Do We Have Middle Names? Exploring the History, Meanings, and Significance

When expecting a baby, one of the biggest decisions the new parents face is what to name their child. What will their first name be? Will they take Mom’s or Dad’s surname? Will there be a middle name? Two? Three? Is the name chosen a good middle name? Babies’ middle names often hold just as much meaning as their first names.

If you’ve ever wondered why we have middle names, there isn’t just one answer. It’s also important to remember not everyone has one, and in many cultures, middle names simply aren’t recognized.

Middle names as they’re known today are a relatively recent development. In the United States, they became trendy with wealthy extended families in the late 1700s, particularly with German settlers, for whom they were more commonplace. By 1900, most children born in the United States had them. If you have a middle name, it may provide a hint about your family tree and your ancestral roots.

History of Middle Names

Traditionally in Europe, people had a given name and a surname or patronymic last name to track family lines. It wasn’t until the late Medieval period that middle names began popping up, and even then, they were reserved for nobility. In fact, there was even an old law that made it illegal for the common population to use middle names.

This tradition carried over to the colonies of America, as evidenced by early Massachusetts birth records revealing middle names weren’t given in Boston at all in the 1600s. A few appeared in the 1700s, with just 5% of Americans born at the time of the Revolutionary War, given middle names.

The 19th century saw a population boom in both the United States and Europe, and as a result, more names were used to stand out amongst peers who may have shared common first or last names. By 1900, nearly all American-born children had middle names. Enlistment forms for World War I even had a middle name space, reflecting the overarching change in culture toward naming.

Unique Middle Names

For many expectant parents, the middle name slot offers the chance to add a unique twist to their child’s moniker. Some opt for the names of their favorite characters, such as Khaleesi from Game of Thrones or Kylo from Star Wars, which are becoming more popular in the United States. Others may reflect their heritage, such as bestowing a Spanish middle name if someone’s family originates from Spain. Others still may choose meaningful or cool middle names meant to stand out, including single syllable names, animal names, or names based on behavioral characteristics. Another burgeoning trend includes giving traditionally masculine names to daughters. Part of this shift has come from the shift in American culture toward individualism. Some parents want their children to stand out with memorable names.

Some unique middle names for girls include:

• Raya (meaning “friend” in Hebrew)
• Veda (meaning “knowledge” in Sanskrit)
• Ember (French variation of “Amber”)
• Ocean (nature name)
• Navy (which may refer to the color or a seafaring organization)
• Clover (a wildflower that symbolizes good luck)
• Amara (meaning “wished-for child” in Greek)

Unique boy names stealing the stage include:

• Fox (animal name)
• River (nature name)
• Orion (meaning “son of fire” in Greek)
• Atlas (meaning “to endure” in Old Greek)
• Zephyr (an English word meaning “west wind”)
• Maverick (of English origin, meaning “independent” or “nonconformist”)
• Sirius (meaning “glowing” in Greek and may be a Harry Potter reference)

Common Middle Names for Girls

In the United States, common middle names tend to convey heritage, honoring a family member or having some sort of religious significance. Some of the most common middle names for girls in the United States are:

• Anne (French, meaning “grace”)
• Lynn (Welsh, meaning “lake”)
• Elizabeth (Hebrew, meaning “pledged to God”)
• Lee (British, meaning “pasture” or “meadow”)
• Nicole (Greek, meaning “people of victory”)
• Louise (French, meaning “renowned warrior”)
• Michelle (Hebrew, meaning “who is like God”)
• Renee (French, meaning “reborn”)
• Jean (Scottish, meaning “God is gracious”)

In other English-speaking countries, similar patterns leaning toward honoring grandparents or other family members can be seen. In the United Kingdom, for example, many of the most common U.S. names are also popular. Common middle names for girls in the United Kingdom include: 

• Rose (English, meaning “rose” or “flower”)
• Grace (a virtue name)
• Jane (English, meaning “God is gracious”)
• May (Hebrew, meaning “gift of God”)
• Mary (Hebrew, meaning “drop of the sea,” “bitter,” or “beloved”)
• Amy (Latin, meaning “beloved”)
• Catherine (Greek, meaning “pure”)
• Victoria (Latin, meaning “conquerer”)
• Kate (English, meaning “innocent”)

Middle names aren’t unique to English-speaing countries. In Vietnam, the most common middle name for girls is Thi, meaning family. Other favorite female middle names in Vietnam include:

• Xuan (meaning “spring”)
• Linh (meaning “spirit” or “soul”)
• Trinh (meaning “virtuous” or “loyal”)
• Mai (meaning “plum” or “apricot”)

 

In France, middle names are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal, and it’s common for parents to give kids multiple middle names. For example, a family may name their daughter Antoinette Audree Camille Roux.  However, the government may reject any name it deems controversial or potentially goes against a child’s best interest. Favored French middle names may include:

 

• Aimee (meaning “beloved”)
• Belle (meaning “beautiful”)
• Bernadette (meaning “brave as a bear”)
• Charlotte (meaning “free and strong”)
• Desiree (meaning “one who is longed for”)
• Giselle (meaning “pledge” or “promise”)

 

However, in some countries, such as China, middle names aren’t used at all. 

Common Middle Names for Boys

In the United States, common middle names for boys include religious and classical English and Hebrew names. Some of the most commonly used names include:

• Alan (Gaelic, meaning “handsome” or “cheerful”)
• Michael (Hebrew, meaning “who is like God?”)
• James (Hebrew, meaning “following after”)
• William (Germanic, meaning “resolute protection”)
• Lee (British, meaning “pasture” or “meadow”)
• John (Hebrew, meaning “God is gracious”)
• Robert (Germanic, meaning “bright fame”)
• Andrew (Greek, meaning “strong” and “manly”)

UK naming trends for boys reveal many of the same male middle names as seen in the United States, with a few notable extra additions. Commonly, parents turn to names such as:

• Thomas (Aramaic, meaning “twin”)
• Edward (English, meaning “wealthy guardian”)
• Peter (Greek, meaning “rock”)
• Christopher (Greek, meaning “bearer of Christ”)
• Alexander (Greek, meaning “defending men”)
• Daniel (Hebrew, meaning “God is my judge”)

Vietnamese middle names for boys tend to focus on creating imagery or conveying meaning about who the parents hope their child will grow up to be. Some popular picks are:

• Van (meaning “cloud” or “culture”)
• Huu (meaning “friend” or “companion”)
• Duc (meaning “virtue”)
• Xuan (meaning “spring”)

 

Similar to the naming conventions used for French girls, middle names given to French boys are also meant to be pleasing to the ear and eye. Common French middle names for boys include:

• Aiden (meaning “fiery”)
• Armand (meaning “army”)
• Henri (meaning “home ruler”)
• Olivier (meaning “olive tree”)
• Valentin (meaning “strong and healthy”)

How Middle Names Are Used

The U.S. Social Security Administration doesn’t actually consider the middle name as part of a legal name. In the United Kingdom, however, middle names are deemed a legal part of a person’s first name and should always be included when a legal name is requested.

Some cultures will use middle name spots to track family lineage. For example, in many Hispanic cultures, people have two given names, plus paternal and maternal surnames. However, Hispanic middle names aren’t really considered “middle” names—they’re considered compound names.

Longer names can be found in Arabic cultures thanks to traditions of tracing family lines. Both men and women receive first name, which is followed by their father’s and grandfather’s first names or honorifcs, with the family’s surname at the end.

In other areas, such as Vietnam, middle names can provide key family details. It’s not uncommon to see all siblings within a single generation share the same middle name or have middle names indicating birth order. 

Some cultures don’t give middle names at all. In Italy, China, Japan, and South Korea, for example, middle names are rarely given. 

Middle Name Meanings

If you have a middle name, there’s a good chance it has some sort of significance. Searching the etymology and meaning may point you toward your ancestral roots. If you know your middle name honors a relative, you may be able to locate them using birth, marriage, and death records. Using a surname search tool may also reveal some insight if your middle name is derived from your mother’s maiden name. If you’re ready to start exploring your middle name and its usage and track your family tree, try a free trialwith Ancestry^®.

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Image 1: https://www.loc.gov/item/2017720266/
Image 2: https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2016858995/
Image 3: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Three_generations_of_the_Lipschultz_family_(4418760251).jpg