Middle names are a funny thing -- some cultures (and families) do not use them at all, while some parents regard them as a name that must sound great with the first name -- and still others put a great deal of thought into the middle name and grant their child one with special meaning. Come explore current middle name trends and get inspired to pick one for your baby!

The middle names of parents today -- the middle names your parents bestowed upon you when you were born -- have often been a source of either indifference or acute embarrassment. How often have you seen someone squirm when asked their middle names? This may be the reason many modern parents are putting a little more thought into middle names today.

Pleasant Sound

Choosing a middle name that flows well with the first name is often a top concern of parents-to-be. Often if you're not seeking a name with a particular meaning or sound, you  might be drawn to names based on their length. One popular practice is choosing a shorter first name paired with a longer middle name (or vice-versa) as this tends to flow really well when said or, ahem, shouted. Drake Alexander is one example, as is Elizabeth May. Both sound harmonious when said and flow very well together.

There is a revival of classic names for first names -- names that your great-great-grandmothers may have used when they named their children. Many of these old-fashioned names are short names and make excellent middle names. Names such as Rose, Faye, Ella, Grace, Ruby and Anne are very popular right now for girls' middle names, and Jack, Levi, Miles, Rex, Sam and Max are great choices for a boy's middle name.

Get more short baby name ideas here!

Continuing the Theme

Another trend is keeping with the same theme with the first and middle names. If you've been keen on the idea of an Irish first name then you might consider using another Irish name as a middle name. The same can be said of any name that has a distinct name origin, from traditional English names to Hawaiian names to Indian names to Korean names.

Other popular themes that parents are using to name their children are nature names, masculine names, feminine names, classic names and time-honored, traditional names. 

Honoring a Relative

A very common practice in choosing a middle name is using the name of a relative. Using it as a middle name allows you to pick a name according to your own tastes for your baby's first name while still honoring a treasured relative. You may choose to use your mother or father's name, a grandparent's name, a sibling's name or another relative that is special to you in your life. Some moms and dads use name of relatives who have passed away as a special tribute to that person.

If you wish to honor a certain someone but don't really care for their first name, another excellent option is to use *their* middle name as your child's middle name. You could also explore different variations of a name to honor your relative. If your grandmother's name was Katherine, for example, giving your daughter the middle name Kate would be a great choice. Since sometimes names do go out of style you might consider using a different version of a name to give your child to avoid those awkward moments when he's asked what his middle name is!

Choosing a middle name may not be as stressful as choosing a first name, but it definitely can be. Using our tips will help you in your search and help you pick out the perfect middle name.

Share your middle name choices with us below!

For More Baby Name Ideas:

Choosing the Right Middle Name

The Trendiest Middle Names Today

Matching baby's first name to last name

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