Choosing a name is one of the most important decisions of becoming a parent. A child’s name is an essential part of his or her identity and will have a profound impact on your child’s life. Choosing a middle name after a beloved parent, grandparent or relative is popular, and helps your child to feel connected with his or her family. 

It is very common for expecting parents to choose a family name for their child. There are many reasons to carry on the name of a family member; some do it to pass on cultural or religious affiliations to their children, some because it is family tradition, some out of respect and affection for a family member, and others simply because they like the idea of giving their child a name that has a meaning to them. Whatever the reason is, keeping names in the family is a lovely way to maintain a connection between generations.

One of the most important things to consider is whether or not you and your partner actually like the name that you want to give your child. Let’s say you want to name your daughter after your favorite deceased grandmother, but you do not really like the name, it is a good idea for you to consider what other options may be available. Using a family member’s name as a middle name is a great idea if you want to honor someone but you are not very fond of that person’s first name.

Some tips and hints when picking out family names:

Make a family tree. Try to find out as much information about your relatives as possible. If none of your relatives’ names seem appropriate, you could also think about family surnames, for example a mother’s maiden name.

Choose a unique name. Consider looking deeper into the family tree in order to select a name that has not been used for several generations.

Be careful if the name is already being used. Make sure that the name you choose is not already given to relatives.

Choose initials, rather than full names. This name fashion is popular when names are being passed on from generation to generation.

Use variations. A variation of a family member’s name might allow you to give your child a more modern name and still honor a relative. Here is a list of some variations of names, in addition to alternatives for the name.

Alternate Forms of Girls’ Names:

Alice
Alicia, Alison, Allyce, Elise

Caroline
Caralyn, Charla, Carol, Ina, Lynn
 
Frances
Fanny, Francene, Francia, Francesca

Gertrude
Trudy, Gertie, True, Gerda

Mary
Mariah, Mara, Maren, Miriam, Maureen, Marisol

Alternate Forms of Boys’ Names:

Jeffrey
Jeff, Jefferson, Geoff, Godfrey

John
Johan, Jean, Ian, Ivan

Michael
Michel, Miguel, Milo, Miles

Robert
Robin, Bert, Bob, Rod

William
Liam, Willy, Willis


All in all, honoring a relative by passing on his or her name to your child gives you the opportunity to express your respect and admiration to that person. Choosing a middle name to honor a member of your family is a nice way for your child to connect to a side of the family to whom they otherwise would not have connected with. Naming your child after someone you care and think about gives meaning to your child’s middle name and allows you to pass on memories of that person. Since middle names are not used as frequently as first names, they lend themselves well to names that honor a loved person.

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