Baby Middle Names

Middle Name Custom

In the western culture almost everyone has a middle name. But when did this custom start? Before the 1700's there are few recorded uses of middle names in the United States. Early presidents including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson did not have middle names.

In the early 19th century, German immigrants brought the custom of using middle names to the U.S. This custom was based on giving their children a saint's name and a non-Christian name. The non-Christian name eventually became known as a middle name. Today, almost everyone in the United States has a middle name, and they now serve several purposes including:

• Identification
• Honor a family name
• Preserve the mother's maiden name

Finding Baby Middle Names

If you are having trouble finding the right name, options like Baby Name Gene allow you to search computer generation name combinations based on your last name. Other sites to visit include:

• Baby Middle Names
• Baby Zone
• Baby Center
• Parents.com
• Baby Name Finder

The Right Length

As you consider different baby middle names in combination with the first and last name, say the whole name out loud. Look for baby names that flow together and sound natural. Vary the length of names. If the first name you like is long, choose a shorter middle name. Look for balance and select names with a different number of syllables. You don't want to pick three long names. Think ahead to the days your child will learn to spell his or her name, or later have to fill out forms.

Using a Middle Name as a First Name

Often, people use a middle name as the forename. One family I know names their first born daughters Ruby Michelle. Every other generation is called by their middle name to avoid confusion at family gatherings. Sometimes when family members share the same first name, a different middle name is chosen to differentiate father from son, uncle from nephew and so on.

People who use their middle name as their first name many times abbreviate their first name to an initial. One well-know example is F. Scott Fitzgerald. Do you have any idea what his first name was? Francis.

Family Traditions

Are you thinking of naming your baby after a special grandparent or other family member? If you are, you will have specific names to choose from. Many families hold to traditions when choosing names. For baby middle names some of these traditions include:

• First daughter's middle name is mother's first name
• First son's middle name is first name of paternal grandfather
• Using mother's maiden name as a middle name to acknowledge and pass on her family name
• Choosing a middle name reflecting a celebrity the parents admire

One family I know chooses names based on popular songs. Their daughter Margaret Suzette is called Peggy Sue. If you don't have a family tradition, you can always start your own.

Your Baby's Heritage

The name you choose is part of your baby's heritage. Pick a name that reflects the heritage you want to pass on. You have nine months to find the right name, to decide whether or not you'll want to use a nickname, or to decide if you will call your baby by his or her initials. Picking a middle name is important. It follows your baby through life. Follow these few tips to help you through the process:

• Don't pick a name that is too popular
• Don't pick a name that is too unique
• Don't pick a middle name that produces an acronym
• Don't pick a first name that rhymes with your baby's last name

Instead, pick a name you like that your baby can be proud of.