How to Choose a Middle Name
The purpose of a middle name is to link the unique first name to the shared last name, which is often the family name. Most parents put a lot of time and effort into choosing the child's first name, spending hours and days poring over baby name books and looking for something they can both agree on. The middle name tends to get a little less attention, but must flow easily with both the first and last names. Choose a middle name that sounds good, makes sense and perhaps has a sentimental or emotional meaning.
Instructions
Decide whether you want to be traditional or unique. A traditional middle name will be something you've heard before, such as John, Mary, Rose, Lee or Ann. A unique name will be trendier and can be any word at all, such as Love, Fawn, Flash or Honeycomb. Choose a family name for the middle name. This is a good opportunity to honor your great Aunt Edna, Uncle Henry, a parent or a grandparent. This relieves you from having to use an old-fashioned first name but will still provide a meaningful ancestral connection. Experiment with last names. A mother's maiden name or a last name that's found elsewhere in your family history can make an ideal middle name. This also provides an opportunity to revive old family names that passed away with a remaining family member. Pick a name that was a first name finalist. For example, if you and your partner debated between naming your son Devon or James, you could include the second choice as a middle name: Devon James or James Devon. Look to the calendar. Seasonal names and those reflecting the months are popular. Possible middle names include Summer, Autumn, May, June and April. Consider a place. Some geographical locations make excellent middle names. Think Paris, London, Ocean and Sky. You can choose a middle name that reflects a place you find special. You can even make it personal, such as the place where your child was conceived or born. Attach a suggested identity. A future artist might get the middle name of Sketch. If you're fond of a former president, use a middle name like Gipper or Clinton. Consider more than one middle name. In some circles, particularly British royalty, people can have several names between the first and last. George Alexander Louis, for example, is the name of Kate and Prince William's first contribution to the royal family.
