What's in a *Middle* Name? Tips for Choosing a Middle Name for Your Baby

Naming your baby is exciting and fun -- and also daunting, stressful, and frustrating. Choosing a middle name (or two) if that's your culture and choice to do so can be a part of the naming process that feels less stressful and offers space to bestow a name that's meaningful or playful, or both. If you don't already have your baby's middle name picked out, this post provides you with some helpful suggestions on where to look and how to choose. 

The use of middle names date back at least as far as ancient Rome but wasn't used consistently until the Middle Ages among Europeans, and even then, it was only used for people in upper classes. The majority of those early middle names were after saints. As the practice became more popularized in the years to come, familial names were commonly used. (Source) Many cultures do not use middle names. Some cultures use several middle names. Middle names today, when they're used, either follow a family tradition, are used to honor a person(s) in the family, or are chosen for fun or "flow" of the whole name. If you're stuck on a middle name, take a look at the ideas list below.

• Family member's name (first, middle, last)
• Maiden (last) name
• Nickname - yours, your partner's, a family member's
• Based on the name's meaning
• Your favorite/most meaningful tree or flower
• Constellation name
• Hometown
• Name from your heritage in original language
• Location name that's meaningful
• Choose based on initials
• Favorite actor, author, poet, singer, historical figure, Greek god
• Let a sibling choose
• Follow a family tradition or start your own
• Let your child choose one when they're older
• Choose two middle names (if you can't decide or if it's your tradition)
• Choose an old-fashioned name
• Choose a modern/non-traditional name
• Poll your friends for ideas and votes
• Choose based on an initialed nickname (ie, "JD")

Some general tips for choosing a middle name if it's not a family name/tradition:

• Say the name out loud to listen to the rhythm and flow. How does it sound?
• Consider the initials. Does it spell something that could cause embarrassment?

How are you choosing your baby's middle name? Do you and your partner agree?