So you’ve picked the perfect first name. It matches all of your criteria, is easy to spell, and even comes with the cutest nickname. But wait, you’re not done there! Before you even have time to celebrate, a new challenge hits you: the middle name. Middle names are nothing new. In fact, they date all the way back to the middle ages, when European families were torn between opting for a family name or a saint name for their newborn child. Instead of choosing, they began to give children two names; a first and a middle. Now, middle names are more like fashion statements than baptismal necessities, but they still often share the same idea: letting parents choose two of their favorite names as opposed to one. But if you don’t have another favorite name to use, picking a name for the middle spot can get a little tricky. That’s why I’ve dedicated this segment of my “How to Name Your Baby” series to that problematic space in between the first and last names.
Honor Names
One meaningful way to make use of the middle slot is to throw in an honor name. If you love your mother Mary but find her name is not your style, using Mary as a middle name will honor your mom and solidify a more adventurous first name choice. With honor names, it's very difficult to regret the name you’ve chosen, and it also hints at the kind of person you want your child to be. Another great plus is the positive connotation that accompanies the name.
Adventurous Names
Another way to go about the middle name is to use a name that would’ve felt a bit too outrageous for day-to-day use. If you’ve been crushing on Leopold, but can’t picture a baby boy bearing the name, slip it into the middle name. Often, over-the-top nature names like Tigerlily and Thorn spice up a more traditional first name perfectly and are a terrific fallback if your child ends up suiting a more daring moniker. The middle name is the ideal opportunity to use a name you love without burdening your child.
Compromise Names
The middle name is, in a way, excellent for negotiation. If you’re fond of Penelope, but your partner vaster prefers the likes of River and Sage, the middle name provides superb middle ground. Penelope Sage lets everyone win and gives your daughter the chance to choose which name she prefers when she gets older.
Use Letters From the First Name
If you have no one to honor, no outrageous names, and have already compromised on a first name, then a fantastic option is to take a prominent letter from the first name and find a middle name beginning with that letter. Because they both have the same strong letter sound, they will compliment each other magnificently, creating stellar combos like Oliver Valentine and Amelia Meadow that flow well without sounding tacky.
I hope one of these shortcuts to finding a middle name has helped you! If you have any issues with choosing a middle name, be sure to submit the form underneath the “About” tab!
Sincerely,
~Delphina Moon
Can’t find a good compromise name? I will gladly help!
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