11 Ways to Choose Your Child's Middle Name

After months of long lists and even longer debates, you and your partner finally settled on a name for your future child. Now comes another difficult decision — the middle name. Like their first name, you want it to be meaningful, roll off the tongue, and be somewhat unique. But you probably used all your brainpower to pick a first name and have no new ideas.

If you're feeling a little lost, we have some suggestions that make choosing a middle name super simple.

01
Choose a Noun or Adjective
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Choose a Noun or Adjective

There are plenty of descriptive words that double as a name (Joy, Valor, Justice, etc.). Find one that fits your baby's personality.

02
Remember a Relative
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Remember a Relative

Using the name of a deceased family member is a great way to honor their memory and, in a way, keep them alive forever.

03
Use Mom's Maiden Name
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Use Mom's Maiden Name

Many women agree to take their husband's last name when they wed, but they aren't always happy about it. This is the perfect way to bring it back.

04
Go With Your Second Option
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Go With Your Second Option

Were you torn between two first names? Don't wait till the second baby arrives to use them both!

05
Dare to Be Different
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Dare to Be Different

You want an original name, but your partner wants something more traditional. Find a middle ground — literally — and use your unique choice for the middle name.

06
Spell Something Out
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Spell Something Out

Word nerds will love this idea! Choose a name that, when all the initials are put together, creates a whole new word or anagram (i.e. F.U.N. or A.B.C.). But be careful that you don't spell something like P.M.S. or A.S.S. that could end up being a bit embarrassing later on.

07
Look to the Gods
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Look to the Gods

Think your child fell from the heavens? Then give them a middle name that's worthy of a god or goddess.

08
Honor Your Heritage
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Honor Your Heritage

Don't be afraid to give their middle name some foreign flair! Look for names that are popular within your culture.

09
Turn a Letter Into a Name
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Turn a Letter Into a Name

If you have a fondness for a particular letter (maybe because it's the one your name starts with), try spelling it out. This way you have 26 possibilities!

10
Give Siblings the Same Name
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Give Siblings the Same Name

Not only does giving siblings the same name create consistency, but it also helps build their bond. If you do go with this idea, we suggest choosing a gender-neutral name.

11
Skip It
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Skip It

Believe it or not, giving children middle names wasn't a popular practice until the 1800s, so not giving one to your child wouldn't be completely nontraditional. If you can't find a name you like, then don't bother doing it.