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Picking a middle name for your baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. Not only do you want to choose a name that reflects your family’s values and traditions, but you also want to find a name that your child will like and feel comfortable with.
Selecting the right middle name can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! The good news is that there are lots of options to choose from. From family names to meaningful words, there’s sure to be something that fits your family perfectly.
This article will show tips and tricks for picking the best middle name for your precious bundle of joy.
Tips for Choosing a Suitable Middle Name
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1. Stick With Tradition
Another great tip is to consider any potential family connections when picking a middle name for your baby. If there is someone in your family that you would like to honor or pay tribute to by using their name as part of your child’s full name, then this is the perfect opportunity. This can be especially meaningful if it is someone close in relation such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle who has passed away but whose memory lives on within their namesake.
According to YouGov, almost half of Americans (43%) choose their child’s middle name to honor a family member, while only a quarter (24%) choose it because they like the sound of it. Also, according to this statistic, the names of fathers and grandfathers are most often selected for boys’ middle names, 43%, and 30%, respectively. Meanwhile, the names of grandmothers and mothers are most often chosen for girls’ middle names, 30%, and 23%, respectively.
2. Play Off The First Name
Another option is to play off the first name and choose something unique or unexpected but still complementary. For example, if your baby’s first name is John, you could choose Jonathan as his middle name for a slightly different yet complementary sound.
3. Match Up Surnames
If you have two different last names in your family (e.g., one from mom and one from dad), try matching up each parent’s surname as part of the full name (e.g., Elizabeth Mabel Smith-Jones). This helps create symmetry and keeps both sides of the family represented in your baby’s unique identity!
4. Think About The Meaning
When choosing a child’s middle name, it is crucial to consider its meaning. Depending on your family’s beliefs and traditions, this could mean anything from honoring your ancestors to picking out names associated with specific values or qualities.
It might be helpful to list desirable characteristics or attributes that you’d like your baby to embody. Before settling on one, you could even look up the meanings behind different names. For example, if you are looking for a slightly more traditional middle name, consider opting for something classic like “Rose” or “Grace” which both symbolize beauty and elegance.
5. Consider Nicknames
A fun option is to pick a longer or more formal version of what you plan on calling them as their nickname (e.g., Thomas instead of Tom). This gives them an easy way out if they don’t like their given full name later on in life.
6. Be creative
Finally, don’t forget that picking out your baby’s middle name is no wrong way. Be creative! There are so many options available at our fingertips, from popular culture references to unique words from foreign languages.
Let yourself explore all sorts of interesting ideas before settling on one final choice. You can refer to our suggestions below or from famous forums like Nameberry, Reddit, etc.
Plus, having an unusual yet still meaningful middle name may give them an advantage in today’s competitive job market (or at least provide them with a conversation starter).
Wrapping up
Finding the perfect middle name for your little one can be daunting but also incredibly rewarding. Whether you opt for something traditional or something more adventurous, try not to get too overwhelmed by all the possibilities. Remember that there isn’t just one correct answer here. It really depends on what works best for you and your family. Good luck!
FAQ
Can a baby have no middle name?
Yes, a baby can have no middle name. It is not a legal requirement to give your child a middle name. Many families opt to give their child a middle name to honor family members or choose a name they like. However, some parents prefer to keep it simple and only give their child a first and last name. Ultimately, it is up to the parents to decide whether or not they want to give their baby a middle name.
What percentage of people do not have middle names?
It is estimated that approximately 15-20% of people do not have middle names. This varies depending on the region and culture. Middle names in some parts of the world are not as common and may be seen as unnecessary. On the other hand, in other areas of the world, it’s more common to have middle names. For example, in the United States, it is common for people to have one or two middle names. In general, the majority of people do have middle names, but there is still a notable minority who do not.
